Can I leave internal incision rupture after chiropractic treatment alone? (Photos)

Question

I have an older tummy tuck done many years ago. While getting a chiropractic treatment, internal sutures were ruptured and a palm size mass appeared on the side below belly button ultrasound show no hernia but instead ruptured sutures. Surgeon in my area says i can leave it if I wish. (I do not want to undergo another surgery) am I at risk for further sutures to rupture now that these have? I can live with the lump. It's soft and easily hidden anyways, I'd appreciate another opinion.

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for posting photos along with your question! If this is truly due to just the sutures "rupturing" which resulted in recurrence of abdominal wall laxity then you don't have to do anything if you don't want to. The main reason to get it repaired is if it bothered you cosmetically or if you started to have some symptoms that you thought were due to this issue. Its good that you got some imaging to see if it was anything else like a hernia because that you would want to get repaired. I have to say however, I do find it peculiar that this rupture has occurred after "many years" because I know many patients that take part in very strenuous activity once they are healed and do not have this issue. Also, it is a little peculiar that it only appears on one side. If it was a true suture rupture and recurrence then it should bulge in the middle of the lower abdomen. Seroma is probably very unlikely at this point but hopefully they ruled this out. As far as if the rupturing of sutures will worsen....I would say probably but at this point wait and see. Hope this helps and best of luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question and photographs.  Assuming the ultrasound is correct in that no hernia has developed, and you have not interest in further correction, you do not need to pursue additional surgery at this time.  Some further laxity or separation is possible but only time will tell.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tropic421,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. This is an interesting case. I suppose that adjustment could have lead to some of that laxity you have? As long as your doctors agree that you are not dealing with a hernia, then it does not require any treatment. I also doubt that you will have worsening problems going forward. Best wishes

Can I leave internal incision rupture after chiropractic treatment alone? (Photos)

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Answer: Tummy tuck recovery

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Can I leave internal incision rupture after chiropractic treatment alone? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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