Can a tummy tuck with muscle repair cause long term discomfort/tightness and if so is there any way to alleviate this tightness?
I am 50 yrs old, 1 year post op from a TT with MR and have daily discomfort due to feelings of tightness which is worse with activity. Movement makes abs feel like they are” hardening up”. Exercise is uncomfortable/difficult due to this tightness. I also often feel like my muscles are being stretched from top to bottom right down the middle. I often feel “pressure” on my lower abdominal area (like they are being pushed in too much or I am wearing tight jeans). Can anything relieve this?
Some patients have similar sensations after a tummy tuck. I would suggest gradual and progressive exercise. Also consider assistance with a qualified trainer.
The tightness is secondary to aligning the muscles into the proper position. Depending on the width of separation this can be several inches in some cases. All tissues over time stitch and relax. The suture used to hold the tissue in midline are typically long lasting or permanent so the new position of the muscles should be stable. Physical therapy can be used to help address the muscles of the abdomen in addition the the rectus abdomens that can also be contributing to these feelings of tightness.