Can the Tightened Muscles of a Tummy Tuck Come Loose?

I was wondering if the muscles that are tightened in the abdomen can come loose? And if so what would it feel like? I had my tummy tuck 10 days ago and up until a few hours ago I was feeling tight still but getting more upright and then earlier I had a coughing fit (breathed in water when drinking) and although it wasn't all that painful it felt like the muscles loosened and a warm rush spread across my tummy followed by a cooling rush that lingered then it felt like I could move easier.

Tags:

Comment on this

3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Jeans in Upland, CA

Doctor Answers (3)
Community Comments (0)

Yes muscles of tummy tuck can become loose or undone: Stitches are essential early on

Yes, it is possible during the early post-operative period following a tummty tuck, to rupture the repair. I often give the analogy of grafting a tree limb. During the early phases, duct tape is required to maintain the graft. Later on the tape can be removed but the fusion can break if subjected to excessive force. The stitches of a muscle repair act in much the same way. The stitches are essential early on but less important as the tissues heal in place. Discuss your symptoms with your... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

The muscle repair is done by sutures and they can become loose

You need to see your doctor for further evaluation. The muscle repair is varied from surgeon to surgeon and your plastic surgeon should examine you and answer your questions.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Potential Disruption of Tummy Tuck Muscle Repairs

The muscle repair of a Tummy Tuck can definitely be disrupted. The amount of force required to separate the 6 pack (Rectus Abdominis) muscles would vary with WHEN the force was applied to the muscle repair, the AMOUNT of force applied and the WAY the muscles were stitched together. A sudden coughing, vomiting, bucking, straining or blow to the tummy in the early healing phase (end of surgery up to 3 weeks or so after the surgery can either break the stitches or cause them to cut... more