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Can Stitches on Muscle Repair Be Torn by Coughing?

asked 1 year ago by San Francisco CA8386 in San Francisco CA
Latest answer by C. Bob Basu, MD
Question viewed 1,698 times
Tags: cough, stitches, torn

I had prolonged cough the day of tummy tuck and mascle repair surgery. Pain was unbearable, but my concern was that stitches would be ripped. I had cough few days after surgery as well. Now I am 3 weeks post op, but I still cannot stand up right and muscles look swallen. Could my cough bring some damage to the muscles, that would compromise the whole procedure?

8 answers to Can Stitches on Muscle Repair Be Torn by Coughing?

+1

Can you damage your muscle tightening

It is possible to damage the muscle tightening from severe coughing, vomiting, straining - activities that can increase intraabdominal pressures.  That is why plastic surgeons recommend no heavy lifting or strenuous activity after surgery for 4-6 weeks.  However, most of the time, multiple sutures are placed. So even if you heard a pop, you likely have back up sutures.  Please see your plastic surgeon for an evaluation.
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

+1

Coughing tearing muscle repair in tummy tuck

Thanks for the question. It is possible that increased intra-abdominal pressure, either caused by coughing, or possibly vomiting, could cause a muscle tear along the repair line, but this would be highly unlikely, especially in a sound repair.  To be certain, follow-up with your surgeon for a thorough examination. Warmest Regards, Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS
Glenn Vallecillos, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Damage to Tummy Tuck from Coughing

It is within the realm of possibility that you could have popped a suture, but with that being said, it is highly unlikely. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons are very particular when suturing the abdominal wall. I would still seek the guidance of your plastic surgeon.
Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

+1

Damage or ruining muscle repair with tummy tuck due to severe coughing

Yes, severe coughing could theoretically disrupt an abdominal rectus diastasis muscle repair. For this reason, the use of a binder can be helpful.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Coughing CAN Tear Muscle Repair Stitches of Tummy Tuck

Putting the 6 pack (Rectus) tummy muscles together and keeping them together while healing is the single most important factor determining tummy flatness. If muscle repair is avoided (when needed) - the tummy will not be flat and IF the muscle repar fails (breaking stitches) - the tummy pooch will re-appear. The likelihood of muscle repair stitch breakage depens on HOW the muscles were brought together by your surgeon ( type of stitches (dissolving Vs permanent), configuration of stitches... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Coughing after a tummy tuck

Coughing after a tummy tuck more than likely did not do any harm, but the only way to be sure is to get examined by your surgeon.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Can coughing effect my tummy tuck repair?

Anything is possible but not everything is likely.  When we repair the muscles during a tummy tuck,. the muscles are actually not sutured.  Instead, the tissue around the muscles (called "fascia") is brought together and so any disruption of the repair would actually involve this tissue. And although the sutures could potentially cheese-wire through this tissue, it is very unlikely.  However, I would definitely contact your Plastic Surgeon and let them know... more
Gregory A. Buford, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+1

Coughing after tummy tuck

Coughing, or other repetitive acts such as lifting or straining can cause the sutures in the muscle repair to break or cut through like a wire through cheese, and the repair can be undone. The bulge which was corrected can come back in all or part of the tummy. The sutures are not actually in the muscle, but in the fascia, or gristle, on top of the muscle. Only time will tell if the repair was undone. You will know after the swelling has all diminished, and 3 weeks is a bit early to tell... more
Victor Au, MD

Chapel Hill Plastic Surgeon

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