Can I fix a muscle repair failure?

Question

13 months ago I had a tummy tuck with muscle repair on turkey. After I come round I was violently sick three times, one of I felt a sharp pop on two of the heaves. I mentioned this to the doctor and he said it was fine. The right side, which is the side that popped, healed months after the left, even coughing felt like a bubble was underneath a section and it was expanding. Today I am healed but the right side muscle is hard and raised from under my rib all the way down.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Fixing a muscle repair failure, also known as a rectus diastasis repair failure, is possible, but it typically requires surgical intervention. Rectus diastasis is a condition where the abdominal muscles separate, often due to pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations. Surgery to repair rectus diastasis involves suturing the separated abdominal muscles back together to restore strength and stability to the core muscles.

If a muscle repair procedure fails, resulting in recurrent or persistent diastasis, revision surgery may be necessary to correct the problem. Here are some considerations regarding fixing a muscle repair failure:

Evaluation by a Surgeon: If you suspect that your muscle repair procedure has failed or if you are experiencing recurrent symptoms such as abdominal bulging or weakness, it's essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who specializes in abdominal wall surgery. The surgeon will evaluate your condition, review your medical history, and may perform imaging studies to assess the extent of the diastasis and identify any underlying issues contributing to the failure.

Revision Surgery: Revision surgery may be necessary to correct a muscle repair failure. During revision surgery, the surgeon will carefully assess the abdominal muscles, identify any areas of weakness or separation, and perform additional suturing or reinforcement to achieve a durable repair. The specific surgical approach will depend on the individual patient's anatomy, the extent of the diastasis, and any contributing factors.

Consideration of Contributing Factors: In some cases, factors such as inadequate initial repair technique, excessive tension on the sutures, or compromised tissue quality may contribute to muscle repair failure. During revision surgery, the surgeon will address these factors to optimize the chances of success and minimize the risk of recurrence.

Recovery and Rehabilitation: Following revision surgery, you will need to follow your surgeon's postoperative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimize the results. This may include restrictions on physical activity, wearing compression garments, and participating in a structured rehabilitation program to strengthen the abdominal muscles and support recovery.

It's essential to have realistic expectations about the outcome of revision surgery for muscle repair failure. While revision surgery can often successfully correct the problem, there are risks involved, and outcomes can vary depending on individual factors. It's crucial to discuss your concerns and goals openly with your surgeon and work together to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mitzie87,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your description your muscle repair may have been impacted when you became ill.  An examination is needed to know for sure.  If it has failed, a surgical revision will be needed in order to repair it.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It may happened that you had partial rupture of muscle or repair site which healed with scar and muscle weakness? Only on the basis of detailed in person evaluation, a board certified plastic surgeons could get idea of what is actually going on, whether and how it may be improved. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not post photos, so an examination is needed to see what can be done. Once you are healed at least 1 year, EMSculpt might be helpful to tighten your abdominal wall.

Can I fix a muscle repair failure?

Answers (7)

Answer: Scar and bulging after TT

Answer: Scar and bulging after TT

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

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Can I fix a muscle repair failure?

Answers (7)

Answer: Scar and bulging after TT

Answer: Scar and bulging after TT

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

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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.