Did I Damage my Muscle Repair?

Question

I am 1 week post op. Today I had to lift my crying 6 mo. old who is 16lbs. I bent at the knees and just sat her on my lap and then moves her to her seat. My upper abs near my rib cage are more sore now after this. I think I am paranoid as well because I feel my skin is more squishy on my stomach now. Did I damage my muscle repair?

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, this is a common story.  Your plastic surgeon told you not to overdo things, but life keeps intervening.  Your baby was crying, what else would you do.  The good news is that I am 99% sure you didn't tear the muscle repair.  In my practice, I put a figure of 8 stitches in with permanent sutures down deep, then I put a running locking suture over that to ensure a stronger repair in the event something like this happens.  I am not unusual.  Most plastic surgeons do what I do. 

	Your abs are responding to the strain you put on this area.  The treatment of choice is to call your plastic surgeon, put some ice in a baggie and wrap the baggie with a towel so you get cool on the sore area, but not direct ice on your skin.  Follow your plastic surgeon's instructions.  Paranoia at this point is probably a good thing.  It will keep you from overdoing until the muscle repair is stronger.  Don't worry.  I am pretty sure you didn't tear your muscle repair.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your mishap after tummy tuck surgery.

It would take a lot of force/trauma to do any real “damage”.  The only real/meaningful peace of mind you will achieve is after you are  examined by your plastic surgeon.

Best wishes.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Most likely you are fine, but without examining you, it is hard to know for sure.  You probably just strained the area which is causing some soreness.  If you said you heard or felt a snap (like a suture breaking) then the situation might be different.  If you have any concerns at all, then you should contact your surgeon.

	 

	Good Luck.

David A. Bottger, MD · Answer

Excessive physical activity can, if extreme, result in disruption of the plication. This could manifest itself as a localized area of bulging. Your description doesn't seem completely consistent with this and could represent simply edema in the skin flap. Best to have your surgeon take a look.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Call/see/return to your chosen surgeon ASAP for peace of mind. And please do not lift the child until you have the OK from your surgeon. Yes you MAY have split the muscle repair but iover the internet we can not answer for sure. I hope not. From MIAMI

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Answer: Did I Damage my Muscle Repair?

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