Sore anchor stitch by belly button after full tummy tuck. Any suggestions or advice?

Question

I believe I have an "anchor suture" or "progressive tension suture" which feels like it's pulling (a few inches to the side of the belly button) and it's quite sore. I'm wondering will it settle down, or could it be a problem? I'm 2 weeks post full tummy tuck, and everything seems to have gone really well, but this pulling sensation / pain hasn't resolved yet. I understand they dissolve, so am wondering the time frame, and if there's anything I should be doing to help it.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.At 2 weeks out from surgery, you are still very early in the healing process. It is not uncommon to have discomfort in the central abdomen, especially if you had your muscles repaired. You will feel pulling and tightness for the next few weeks as things continue to heal.  These sensations will subside over time, at 2 weeks out I would not worry.  Stay patient and things will settle down.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your tummy tuck procedure. In general these sutures will gradually weaken over the next 6-8 weeks and your discomfort should improve as your swelling resolves and your tissues soften.  I would contact your surgeon to ensure this is a one of his tension sutures for reassurance that no other issues are taking place.  Hope this helps.

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon because of the suturing of the muscles in the midline that the type, pulling sensation may last for several weeks. The progressive tension sutures willusually either dissolve on their own or pull out of either the skin or the muscle side alleviating whatever dimple you may see as well as decreasing that pulling sensation. after 6 to 8 weeks.  It's still early in the healing process.Hope that's helpful.

Sore anchor stitch by belly button after full tummy tuck. Any suggestions or advice?

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