Tummy Tuck Result Ruined from Straining on my First Bowel Movement in a Week?

asked 5 months ago by Kelsey14 in NJ
Latest answer by Peter A. Aldea, MD
Question viewed 233 times
Tags: 1 week post-op, bowel movement, strained

i am freaking out, i had a tummy tuck 1 week ago, and i strained somewhat while going to the bathroom, since the pain meds have made me constipated all week and i was finally able to have a bowel movement. could i have ruined the results from using my stomach muscles in this way? im not sure if its all in my head, but i feel like i can feel the procedure just coming undone....please help!

10 answers to Tummy Tuck Result Ruined from Straining on my First Bowel Movement in a Week?

Straining after tummy tuck

Rest assured, you have probably done no damage to the muscle tightening stitches that were placed during your surgery. These stitches are very strong and the likelihood of tearing them is very remote. Continue with your scheduled follow-ups and don't worry about having ruined your results. Good luck

Johan E. Brahme, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck Muscle Repair Damage?

Thank you for the question. It would be very unusual for you to have done any damage with “ straining on the first bowel movement”; it generally requires significant pressure to break the sutures typically used for muscle plication during tummy tuck surgery. Also, if any damage had been done you would likely know it.... I would suggest follow-up with your plastic surgeon for much more reassuring examination. Best wishes with the remainder of your recovery. more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Straining after tummy tuck

I have never had a patient cause damage to the muscle repair or the skin closure for that matter after a tummy tuck. That is not to say it cannot happen. A number of stitches are used and I think you would have to strain pretty significantly in order to really damage the repair. If you are concerned however, you should contact your plastic surgeon and be seen to see if there is any change in your exam. Thank you for your question and good luck.

Ralph R. Garramone, MD
Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

Relax, that's the very rare occurence

I doubt that you would have ruinerd everything from one bowelmovement. There are many internal stitches holding everything in place. Rather than drive yourself crazy, why not call your plastic surgeon and go in and see him or her. That will relieve a lot of stress on you and you will probably sleep better. Good luck, Dr. Schuster in Boca Raton

Steven Schuster, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

Can straining ruin my Tummy Tuck?

It would be very unusual for the muscle tightening procedure to "come undone" from straining during the bowel movement. The muscle plication is usually performed in one or two layers of permanent sutures. It would be very difficult to tear that apart without experiencing severe pain. Most likely there was some pulling of the muscles and not a tear of the muscle repair. Remember to avoid heavy lifting, straining during bowel movements, and stay in your abdominal binder... more

Michael Zarrabi, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Straining after tummy tuck

There is a low risk that straining after tummy tuck will ruin your result. The tenderness will cause you to back off, and tears after would come with considerable pain and setback. Use a binder for support, and try milk of magnesia twice daily to avoid the strain. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Result of tummy tuck

I doubt that the result of your tummy tuck was compromised (or "ruined") by straining. Personally, I use many stitches to plicate the rectus muscle. Even if one of the sutures was torn, the rest of the sutures would keep the repair intact. If you experienced pain from straining, it might have been due to sutures pulling on the muscle. Of course, all plastic surgeons are slightly different in her/his surgical techniques. You should ask your plastic surgeon... more

Sugene Kim, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Can Straining Undo the Muscle Flattenng of a Tummy Tuck

While Potentially you could have damaged your tummy tuck repair, that is very unlikely. It would take either a sudden large force or a longer sustained force acting a a poor repair done on poor / weak tissues to cause a rip in the muscle repair. Relax. See your surgeon and he would reassure you.

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Straining after Tummy Tuck

I doubt that you have done any serious damage to your abdomen. More likely, you are experiencing some pain in the abdominal wall from the straining, but it is unlikely that you tore the muscle plication. I would recommend that you have your surgeon reevaluate you to ease your mind.