I had full tummy tuck with muscle repair, had nausea/vomit episode the first night, could that damage the muscle repair? (photo)

Question

This is how it looked 5 days post op

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, this problem is sometimes unavoidable, yet does not tend to cause damage. If you feel increasing pain or have any other concerns, you should let your plastic surgeon know, just to be safe. The sutures used for Tummy Tuck and muscle repair are very strong and typically reinforced in layers.All the best

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! The simple answer to the question, can vomiting damage the muscle repair is, yes, it can. However, it would take quite significant vomiting and probably multiple episodes of it to cause the internal repair to break as long as the repair was done in multiple, re-enforcing layers. That being said, you want to take every precaution so that you do not have these episodes (eat before pain meds, take anti-nausea meds, make sure BMs are frequent and normal, etc...) This is something you should definitely let your plastic surgeon aware of. Congrats on your recent surgery and best of luck during your recovery!Ankur Mehta MD

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Excessive force from nausea and vomiting can damage the muscle repair, but that’s unusual. It’s a good idea to have your surgeon checl the repair next appointment!Good luck. Dr. Aldo

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bunillo,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination but it is unlikely that this will cause any serious injury. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, unfortunately nausea and vomiting do occur after surgery,  it is unlikely that damaged your muscle repair, but please pose this question to your plastic surgeon so he/she can examine you.

William L. Reno, III, MD · Answer

It is highly unlikely that you have damaged anything.  The repair uses a very strong suture and often multiple layers.  If there is a specific area you are concerned about be sure to let your plastic surgeon have a look.

Marisa Lawrence, MD · Answer

Your surgeon most probably used several layers of strong sutures to repair your muscles.  I have had several patients with similar concerns over the past 25 years.  I have not seen anyone with post-operative nausea and vomiting tear their internal sutures, if they were put in correctly.  Be patient - swelling takes several months to go away.  Do let your surgeon know about your concerns.  Your surgeon can follow you closely and reassure you while you are healing.

Dimitri Koumanis, MD · Answer

Thanks for your questions. Although excessive vomiting and retching can put pressure on your muscle repair it usually takes a decent amount of force to overcome the suturing performed during the tummy tuck procedure. So although it can happen it is not a frequent occurrence thankfully. I recommend you discuss this with your plastic surgeon at your next appointment so you can be examined.

Ben Gbulie, MD, FACS · Answer

HiThanks for your question.Unfortunately nausea and vomiting may occur after a tummy tuck possibly related to the analgesics. It is unlikely one vomiting episode will dehisce your muscle repair but you should use take antiemetics to avoid this problem. The vomiting should only be a transient event but if it persists you should see your PS. He or she would be in a better position to examine and reassure you.I hope this helps.....

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after tummy tuck surgery. Keep in mind, that your plastic surgeon will be your best resource for comes to accurate assessment, advice, and (probably) meaningful reassurance. Having said that, generally speaking, tummy tuck plication is quite secure and not easily disrupted.  In other words, the plication is usually strong enough to withstand episodes of vomiting, straining, laughing… Again, best to address your concerns directly with your plastic surgeon for more specifics.   Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

I had full tummy tuck with muscle repair, had nausea/vomit episode the first night, could that damage the muscle repair? (photo)

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