Is it possible to tear or damage internal sutures by violent laughter?

Question

I am 1 week po from a tummy tuck and on the left side of my stomach near my belly button, my stomach has seemed to soften, stay sore, and I almost feel a small bulge. Yesterday I was with some friends and all day I was laughing violently to the point of sore muscles. Is it possible I damaged or tore internal sutures?

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

It is certainly possible to disrupt the fascial plication following abdominoplasty. The tissues are tightened with sutures, they could break or the abdominal wall tissues could tear. Neither case is good news. laughing and coughing are normal activities and we all try to make our abdominal wall repairs strong enough to take the strain. See your plastic surgeon and get their opinion.  Hopefully, whatever damage was done was minor and won't require surgical correction. Minor damage usually corrects itself. Good luck.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

It is possible that you could loosen some of the internal stitches but it's unlikely. I would recommend reevaluation by your plastic surgeon.

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear Momma3andhappy, It is always suggested to keep laughing to a minimum to avoid disrupting the sutures. If you feel that you have  undone something you should ask to be seen by your operating surgeon just to check that everything is okay. Good luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I really don't think you have anything to worry about. Abdominoplasty repairs are generally quite secure in it is extremely unlikely that anything you would do Would damage it.

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

In the immediate postoperative period excessive stress or strain on the sutures placed to tighten the muscle layer can lead to disruption of the suture repair.  The likelihood of this would very likely depend to some degree on the type and the extent of the repair performed by a your surgeon.  More than likely however you have not suffered any damage.  It would be important for you to have your surgeon evaluate you for these concerns.For a simple and illustrated explanation of tummy tuck and body contouring
procedures, watch my video.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

More than likely you would not have caused any damage with laughing.  If you discover a bulge then there could be a problem.  If there is any doubt then call your plastic surgeon for an examination.

Luis E. Redondo, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to inform you that the answer is Yes. Muscle tightening is achieve by sutures and all sutures has its limits, follow up with your Plastic Surgeon and discuss your situation with him/her.Best of luck,Dr. Luis Redondo.

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Is it possible to tear or damage internal sutures by violent laughter?

Answers (7)

TUMMY TUCK PROVIDERS NEAR YOU