Abdominal Bloating/Distension 1 Year After Tummy Tuck

Question

Could the bloating/distension be a reaction to permanent sutures? It has been 13 mos. since my surgery w/no complications and the abdominal distension is getting worse. My surgeon has never had to remove permanent sutures but I am extremely uncomfortable. All my clothes are to tight and I have only gained about 4 lbs. Please reply.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

This is unusual.  I would start with revisiting with your plastic surgeon.  What is likely to happen is that you may need see a gastroenterologist (GI doc)  to evaluate your digestive system.  The bloating and your past tummy tuck may be unrelated.

	Dr. ES

Jason Hess, MD · Answer

This condition is unusual.  I would definitely see your plastic surgeon.  I have seen permanent sutures extrude, but I have never seen them cause chronic bloating or swelling.  If your bowels are moving regularly, it is unlikely to be related to intrabdominal or intestinal issues.  The most common cause of distension immediately following a tummy tuck is seroma, but this would be extremely unusual one year following surgery.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

There are a variety of potential explanations for your condition and these should be evaluated via a consultation with a gastroenterologist as suggested by Dr's Rand and Aldea.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that your bloating is related to your tummy tuck that was performed a year ago. You may want to see a gastronenterologist first.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Regarding:  "Abdominal Bloating/Distension 1 Year After Tummy Tuck
	Could the bloating/distension be a reaction to permanent sutures? It has been 13 mos. since my surgery w/no complications and the abdominal distension is getting worse. My surgeon has never had to remove permanent sutures but I am extremely uncomfortable. All my clothes are to tight and I have only gained about 4 lbs. Please reply."

	A Tummy Tuck tightens the OUTER wall of the tummy. It does not enter the abdomen or involve the intestines. Therefore, it is impossible for any surgery done on the outer wall of an intact abdomen to affect the functioning of the inside organs, including the intestine.

	I would highly recommend you consider being seen by a gastroenterologist who will do a thorough workup looking for the real reason for your symptoms.

	Dr. Peter Aldea

Abdominal Bloating/Distension 1 Year After Tummy Tuck

Answers (6)

Answer: Bloating one year after tummy tuck

Answer: Bloating one year after tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy Tuck Surgery DOES not cause Bloating or Weight Gain

Answer: Tummy Tuck Surgery DOES not cause Bloating or Weight Gain

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Abdominal Bloating/Distension 1 Year After Tummy Tuck

Answers (6)

Answer: Bloating one year after tummy tuck

Answer: Bloating one year after tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy Tuck Surgery DOES not cause Bloating or Weight Gain

Answer: Tummy Tuck Surgery DOES not cause Bloating or Weight Gain

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.