Is a Tummy Tuck Painful?
A tummy tuck is consistently one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, so with nearly 200,000 people choosing to undergo the procedure each year, it may seem like recovery would be easy and pain-free. However, while tummy tuck surgery itself isn’t painful, your pain level in the days and weeks following the procedure often ranges from high to moderate. In this blog, we’ll talk about what to expect pain-wise during your tummy tuck recovery, as well as ways to help lessen pain as you heal.
5 Min Read:
What Causes Pain After a Tummy Tuck?
Ways to Manage Tummy Tuck Pain
Learn More About Tummy Tucks in San Diego
What Causes Pain After a Tummy Tuck?
Most people may think that the incision used for a tummy tuck is the most painful aspect of recovery because it spans across your entire lower abdomen. However, muscle repair and tightening causes patients the most discomfort during healing. Before a tummy tuck, you may not realize how much you use your abdominal muscles in everyday movements—from getting out of bed in the morning to climbing stairs, your abs are what help keep you upright and strong.
After a tummy tuck, when your abs have been stitched together and manipulated to create a slimmer midsection, you will feel like you’ve just finished the most intense abdominal workout ever. Your muscles will be sore, and you will feel it every time you engage your core. In fact, because you have to use your ab muscles to do nearly everything, you will likely need help getting out of bed or up from a seated position for the first week or so after your surgery. Asking for assistance is essential because your tender muscles need time to adjust and repair themselves after surgery. The less pressure you put on them, the better off you’ll be, both in terms of pain and overall healing.
A Timeline of Tummy Tuck Pain
Week One
The first days after your tummy tuck may be less painful than expected because you can take prescription pain medication regularly to help ease discomfort. You’ll also receive a non-opioid local anesthetic injection called EXPAREL® that typically lasts up to five days after surgery, allowing healing to jumpstart without too much pain. Experiencing a temporary loss of sensation in the abdominal area after a tummy tuck is also common, which can help stave off discomfort.
However, you will also learn what you can and can’t do without angering your sore muscles. You may have more pain during the first few days.
Week Two
By week two of your recovery from your tummy tuck, you will notice that the pain has dissipated a bit and that you can move about more comfortably. Many patients are ready to be off prescription pain medication during this period. You will still feel tight and sore around the incision and in your abdominal area, but this is normal and will continue to lessen as time passes.
Weeks Three and Four
By weeks three and four of tummy tuck recovery, you should be back to all your routine daily activities and able to engage in light exercise. Walking is the best method of exercise at this point, as you need to continue to protect your ab muscles as they heal. You may still feel some soreness, but this is easily addressed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients can return to work at this point.
Continue to steer clear of anything that engages your abs (including yoga) and listen to your body so that you rest when necessary. Keep in mind that abdominal surgery is serious and requires time and adequate rest to fully recover.
Week Five and Beyond
By now, most of the swelling and inflammation from your tummy tuck will have receded, and you’ll feel much more like yourself. Any minor discomfort at this point is occasional and will continue to lessen each day. By week six, you can get back to more strenuous exercise and activities, but again, listen to your body so as not to overdo it.
you’ll be, both in terms of pain and overall healing.
Ways to Manage Tummy Tuck Pain
Stay Bent Over
It may seem weird, but staying slightly bent over for the first week or so after your tummy tuck surgery can help mitigate pain. Bending over keeps pressure off of your incisions (both interior and exterior) so they don’t pull and cause further trauma to the treatment area.
Move, But Not Too Much
Slow, short walks around your home are highly recommended starting from day one after your tummy tuck surgery. Not only does movement help lessen your risk of developing blood clots after surgery, but it also helps lessen swelling and boosts blood flow so that vital nutrients can get to the treatment area. However, don’t try to do too much too soon, as it can set back your recovery and increase your pain.
Do as Much Ahead of Time as Possible
You will be unable to do much during the first week of your tummy tuck recovery, so it’s helpful to prepare as much as you can ahead of time. No lifting, driving, or being on your feet for too long during your initial recovery means you should arrange for childcare assistance, grocery delivery, and meals. Preparing meals ahead of time will make it easier to eat healthy and not rely on takeout so that you’re getting the nutrition you need for a speedy recovery.
Additionally, prepare a recovery area at home with prescription and over-the-counter meds, water, snacks, and any entertainment needs. Make sure you have enough pillows to support your midsection and elevate your legs, both in bed and out.
you’ll be, both in terms of pain and overall healing.
Learn More About Tummy Tuck Surgery in San Diego
If you’ve been considering tummy tuck surgery but are concerned about pain during recovery, you can rest easy. Dr. Pollack’s experience and skill in performing tummy tucks means you will receive top-notch care and stunning results with as little discomfort as possible. To learn more about your tummy tuck options and discover if the surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Pollack by calling (858) 450-9100 or completing the online contact form.