Staples or Sutures for fascia repair during Tummy Tuck? Had staples and think I need a second TT, few years later (photo)

Question

Had a TT a 4+ yrs ago at 40. 2 kids and have always been very active/athletic. My stomach is protruding again. My PS said I need another TT because the fascia has stretched back out.No signs of seroma or bursa.He said it has stretched because I work out too hard.He used staples to repair my fascia and now wondering if sutures are better. Could the staples be failing causing my stomach to protrude again? Could PS had made mistakes? Could working out too hard stretch the fascia so soon again?

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

I have not heard of staples to repair a
diastasis of the rectus muscles. Purely conjecture, but if traditional sutures
were not used to securely tighten the muscles (permanent or absorbable), and
then it could be that your muscles were never really tightened. In that case,
it may be useful to revise, but this will essentially be a complete tummy tuck
revision with recovery so you really need to get clarity on what was initially
done. A second opinion by another plastic surgeon would also be helpful. Keep
us updated and thanks for sharing.

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

I do not use absorbable sutures nor staples for fascial repair as I do not believe that they hold long enough for a solid result. The staples and some sutures are in that category.The staples do not fall out, they get absorbed. I use a permanent suture inside for that reason. Each surgeon has their preferences for suture material.    I ask that patients do not work out for a minimum of 3-4 months after the surgery as well. Working out too early and too hard can lead to weakening of the repair. I hope that information helps.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

In my opinion, I would not recommend a repeat TT for what the photos show. Regardless of how you tighten the muscles, they heal to complete strength after 8-12 weeks so even dissolvable sutures are fine. Maybe you do work out too hard because really vigorous ab exercises cause a large amount of intra-abdominal pressure pushing out on the abdominal wall. Maybe you should just back off on the intensity a bit.

Staples or Sutures for fascia repair during Tummy Tuck? Had staples and think I need a second TT, few years later (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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Staples or Sutures for fascia repair during Tummy Tuck? Had staples and think I need a second TT, few years later (photo)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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