Could I have popped a stitch after vomiting?

Question

I am 4 days post Mommy makeover. Yesterday at day 3 I got sick ad threw up. I felt a popping sensation and wondered if It's possible to tear a stitch from throwing up?

Rukmini S. Rednam, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,It's certainly possibly to pop a stitch if you were having to strain your abdomen when you vomited.  However a single stitch popping would not always be a cause for concern unless this is the suture used to tighten the muscles.  Depending on surgeon individual technique this can be one long stitch or several separate stitches.  If you are feeling well now and are not having any issues with changes in your appearance or increased pain you likely have nothing to worry about.  If however, you are still feeling ill or having any of the above issues call your plastic surgeon and let him/her know what's going on so you can be reassured or evaluated as needed.Best of Luck!Dr. Rednam

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is highly unlikely that a stitch popped, but even if one did (or two, or three), the overall result likely wouldn't change enough to be significant.  If there is a single long suture used to tighten the muscles (as opposed to many separate ones), and this single suture actually broke, you may notice a return of your abdominal bulge.I recommend visiting with your plastic surgeon for an in-person evaluation.  If it is felt that the stitch really did break and you have return of your abdominal wall laxity, your surgeon will discuss timing of a reoperation to replace that stitch and re-tighten your muscles.  Again, I think this is unlikely though.  Best of luck!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend letting your surgeon know what happened yesterday then he/she can decide if physical exam warranted.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

best of luck!

Dr Schwartz

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Scratching during emesis could cause failure of the suture. It's unlikely but something that you should report to your surgeon.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear about your illness.  Being so recently out from surgery, it is possible to have broken a stitch, either in your muscle repair or along the skin closure incision of your tummy tuck, or more rarely along your breast incision.  I would speak to your surgeon about what took place, especially if the physical appearance to your stomach has somehow changed.  Your surgeon is in the best position to advise you about any surgical compromise that took place.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  It is best you be examined by your surgeon.  At three days, anything is possible.  If you were wearing your binder thats hould have helped prevent tearing, but hard to know without an exam, good luck.

Keith Hodge, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, if you have been vomiting, this is a possibility. I would contact your surgeon for a follow up visit on Monday if this has not already been scheduled. I hope you are feeling better, and good luck with your recovery.

Levi J. Young, MD · Answer

Certainly with retching from vomiting a stitch could pop from your fascia plication.  If you felt a sensation that would support that possibility.  You might have tenderness, swelling, or bruising as a result after.  Be sure to discuss this with your surgeon.  Best wishes.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your problem. Yes, it is possible that the sound you heard was a stitch "popping" at the site of the abdominal muscle repair. Most of us use many, many sutures to do this repair such that breaking one or two is not a major issue. I would just follow up w/ your surgeon in this case, and watch how you heal. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Early out of tummy tuck surgery, the concern with your description would be, the potential for disruption of sutures that are holding the abdominal wall muscles together in the midline. If enough disruption occurs, the result could be separation of the abdominal wall muscles and localized or complete, abdominal wall laxity ( similar to preoperative situation).In general, it would take a significant amount of pressure to “tear" the muscle repair after tummy tuck surgery. This event would likely be associated with significant discomfort. A change in your physical examination, such as increased swelling, bleeding, a new onset "bulge" would also be likely.Generally speaking, abdominal wall muscle plication performed during tummy tuck surgery is quite secure; disruption is very unusual. You will be best off following up with your plastic surgeon who will be your best resource when it comes to accurate assessment, advice, and/or meaningful reassurance.Best wishes.

Could I have popped a stitch after vomiting?

Answers (10)

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