Did I Pop a Stitch on my Abdominoplasty? (photo)

I had an abdominoplasty without lipo 4 days ago. On day 2 I stretched forward without thinking to catch a glass that my son had dropped. I felt a sharp twinge but didn't hear a pop. I didn't think anything of it but my upper abdomen is swollen and has a bruise 2 inches from the midline. Is it likely that I popped a suture? Also, is swelling normal given that I had no lipo?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by Jjcrackers

Doctor Answers (5)
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It is possible

During your abdominoplasty typically sutures (stitches) would have been used to narrow the separation of your rectus muscles (diastasis recti). If you had a full abdominoplasty, they would have been placed all the way up to your rib cage, if a "mini", only part way to around the level of your belly button (unbilicus). It is certainly possible that a suture may have loosened with a sudden movement, but it does not mean that you will loose the full repair. ... more

Ask your plastic surgeon and see what they think

I would advise you to contact the surgeon who performed your surgery and notify him or her of this event. While unlikely that you would have torn apart your muscle repair, that is one consideration. The best person to help you answer this question is the surgeon who did your procedure. Good luck.

Did I "pop a suture"

Whether or not you "popped" a suture, I wouldn't do anything right now. You should see your surgeon and follow his instructions. Those instructions are fiven for a reason.

Randy Proffitt, MD

3 reviews

Mobile Plastic Surgeon

Suture Break after Tummy Tuck?

Unfortunately, based on your clear description of the events that have occurred, it is possible that a stitch has broken. Follow-up with your plastic surgeon for in person examination. The good news is, that even if a stitch did break, this does not necessarily mean your end results will be compromised. Usually, there are multiple sutures ( and often 2 layers) used to perform the muscle plication during tummy tuck surgery. Again, follow up with your... more

Popped Suture

At this point, I would continue to follow up with your surgeon. He will best be able to tell if anything is wrong. At this point, I would just let everything heal. Swelling is normal even without lipo.