Tightness Following Tummy Tuck Procedure

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedures were the sixth most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed in 2012. A total of 106,628 procedures were performed that year. Furthermore, there was a 70 percent increase in tummy tuck procedures between 2000 and 2012.

Given all of these patients who choose to undergo a tummy tuck procedure in an effort to improve the contour of their abdominal region, Drs. Marcus Crawford and Steven Bailey feel it is of utmost importance for patients to understand some of the side effects that may occur as a result of a tummy tuck procedure. A feeling of tightness in the abdominal region is one of the most common side effects following the procedure. Although this is a natural part of the healing process, it is important to be aware of its causes and what can be done to alleviate it.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

A tummy tuck procedure is designed to tighten up excess, loose skin, tissue, and muscles following weight loss. In a mini tummy tuck, which only tightens up the lower abdomen, a shorter horizontal incision is made across the lower part of the abdomen. A full tummy tuck, which tightens up both the upper and lower abdomen, will involve a longer incision, and an addition incision at the belly button. The skin and underlying tissue are then lifted up, tightened, and sutured back into place. In the case of a full tummy tuck, the underlying abdominal muscles will also be pulled tight and sutured together. A tummy tuck procedure can be done by itself or in conjunction with a liposuction procedure to remove excess fat.

Causes of Tightness after a Tummy Tuck Procedure

In any surgical procedure, there will be some nerve damage caused by cutting into the body. This cannot be avoided. In the case of tummy tuck procedures, the abdominal tightness that patients may experience is a result of damage to the nerves. As the nerves re-establish their proper pathways, patients may begin to feel itching, burning, or occasional sharp pains.

Patients may also experience tightness as a result of the skin being removed and stitched back together. In addition, muscle tightening can cause tightness following the procedure.

Although the tight feeling seem alarming, it is a natural part of the healing process. Patients should expect this to last anywhere from six to 12 weeks following their tummy tuck procedure, but it may take up to a year to regain normal sensory function in the abdominal area. It is very rare for this sensation to return once the nerves have fully healed.

Treatments

As the nerves heal, they may need to be retrained to re-establish the proper pathways. Drs. Crawford and Bailey recommend patients do this by gently rubbing different textured items across the abdomen, including lotion, cotton sheets, washcloths, or loofahs. This helps stimulate the nerves to heal. In severe cases, medications such as Neurontin, which is normally prescribed for nerve pain, may be useful.

However, patients should try to remember that tightness or numbness of the abdomen is a natural part of the healing process following a tummy tuck procedure. With a bit of patience and time, these sensations should fade, and patients will be able to fully enjoy their new, sleek body contour.