Can muscle repair be undone? I have developed severe GERD and acid reflux because of the muscle repair.

Hello, thank you for your question. I recommend you to follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon, So you can get an physical examination.

HI gmao,

A muscle repair can be undone, but you might want to check with your gastric bypass surgeon first. I had one patient who underwent a TT and developed these symptoms, but on evaluation by her GI surgeon, the patient had a severe stricture in the bypass anastomosis and she needed surgery to fi=x that. I would suggest that you return to see the GI surgeon first and get and endoscopy study to see what is the real cause of your reflux.

Good Luck and Best Wishes,

Dr. Christine Rodgers

With an abdominoplasty, the fascia is repaired not the muscle. The fascia is an envelope that contains the muscle and repairing the fascia tightens the muscle. This results in increased intra-abdominal pressure. Unfortunately, you have not told us your height and weight or provided photographs but you may be better off seeing a weight loss physician, if that is an issue or seeing a GI physician is recommended.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear gmaof4,
generally speaking, it is possible to remove sutures from diastasis recti repair. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Rectus plication could be reversed by removing those sutures that were placed to repair the diastasis. A lot would depend on how long it's been since your procedure. I would suggest a full workup by a gastroenterologist prior to undergoing this procedure.

If it has not been too long from surgery, the permanent sutures can be released. If you have completely healed, it still can be improved. I would suggest going back to your surgeon and discussing this.

Great question. I have never tried to release the abdominal tightening sutures but it is my understanding that after 6 months or so the abdominal wall is scared into the new tightened position. This fact is why some surgeons actually have terrific results with absorbable sutures. I would recommend making sure the GI doctors are sure the symptoms are from the tightened muscle as this would be a rare correlation.

Yes you could have your plication undone. I would see your original plastic surgeon and he or she can just cut the sutures that were placed during the muscle repair and it will go back to where it was prior to your tummy tuck.

Hello. First, you should have dinner as earlier as possible, and wait to get to bed at least 3 hours after. Second, it little portions of food and avoid any lactose products.

You will learn slowly how to cope with your new abdomen.

29-year experience

Before considering taking out stitches that are tightening your abdominal muscles you should have a proper assessment.

If you’re into abdominal pressure is high because of excess visceral fat then consider weight loss as the first and primary approach.

It’s possible to go back and remove sutures that were used to bring the rectus muscles closer to the each other during the tummy tuck. There may be scar tissue that is now holding things in place without the sutures to some degree.

Please follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD