Abdominal Muscle Tightness After Tummy Tuck Surgery

It is common to experience abdominal muscle tightness after tummy tuck surgery. You will probably recall how I or your plastic surgeon explained prior to your surgery that your abdominal muscles will likely be tightened during tummy tuck or mommy makeover surgery. This is accomplished by suturing the abdominal muscles closer together. These muscles span vertically and suturing them closer together produces a more shapely waistline and a smoother tummy. It’s perfectly normal to experience abdominal muscle tightness after tummy tuck surgery. This feeling will subside significantly by the second or third week after your surgery.

That said, I would like to emphasize a few things to remember during your recovery process.

It is very important to follow the recovery process instructions you received to assure great and lasting results.

• First, make sure you have someone to drive you home after surgery. You will not be released until you have fully recovered from your anesthesia but you will be given instructions not to drive and to rest as much as possible for the first couple of weeks. You will likely be on pain medication and one important instruction is no exertion or use of your abdominal muscles, including driving. At least for the first week or so.
• It is also important to move around as soon as you can stand on your own. You may not be able to stand up straight in the first few days after your procedure, but moving around will help prevent blood clots. Just focus on not using your abdominal muscles for at least the first two weeks and then lightly for the first four to six weeks.
• You will  likely have a drain to drain fluids and prevent the discomfort of a “seroma” which is a build up of fluids after surgery. This is a common step taken by surgeons after any invasive procedure. You will know when it is close to the time when the drain will be removed by the discomfort you feel inside and the reduction of fluid accumulation, usually within two to three days after your surgery.
• And lastly, REST. Your body uses all of its energy to recover after surgery. Make sure you have a clear schedule, eat small healthy meals, move around carefully and get lots of rest for the first few weeks.

The abdominal muscle tightness after tummy tuck surgery should be completely gone after four to six weeks and you’ll feel like your old self again, and will be enjoying your shapely new appearance. Just remember, in order to maintain your new figure, it will be important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.