Can a Muscle Repair Come Loose? And if Yes, How Does This Happened?

Question

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

The short answer is yes, but its not that common.
	In the early post operative period the suture that holds the adbominal wall together could break. This is possible, but not likely.  The sutures generally used are very strong.  It is possible the tissue thatt he suture is holding, the fascia that surrounds the muscle could tear, also not very common but possible.
	After about six weeks scar tussue has healed in the midline and helps support the midline repair.
	In the long term there are still changes that occur.  The adbominal muscle closure is living tisue that will respond to tension. If the tummy is tight the tissues will slowly migrate apart even with intact sutures.
	Slender people tend to stay flattest after muscle repair because they have less force (weight) pushing on the suture line.
	Mid weight petients will see long term improvement but will have some degree of relaxation overtime as the body finds a new equilibrium.
	Heavy patients may relax fully over the course of a year and as such may not be good caandidates at all.
	Thats one reason  why its always good to to be at your best weight before you embark on  muscle tightening.
	 
	Hope this helps.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.Best wishes.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, the muscle tightening suture can come loose after tummy tuck, but this is not common. When the muscle tightening is performed, it takes 6 weeks to heal and have 90% of its strength.  Some surgeons even use dissolvable sutures for the repair.

	If someone lifts too much, coughs a lot, or otherwise strains their abdominal musculature during the critical time of healing in the first six weeks, it is possible for the suture to loosen or tear through.

	If you think this has happened, please return to discuss with your plastic surgeon.

	Best wishes.

David A. Lickstein, MD · Answer

The muscle can loosen a little over time, or the sutures can pull out.  Both are possible, although suture disruption is very rare.  Most surgeons place a lot of sutures, or several rows.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

The muscle repair is actually a repair of the muscle covering called the fascia which is tightened by a permanent suture. The tissue will heal setting the repair firmly by six weeks or so. It is possible to tear the tissue or suture before full healing by straining, coughing, lifting, but the discomfort would cause you to take notice.
	Best of luck, Peter Johnson, MD.

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Can a Muscle Repair Come Loose? And if Yes, How Does This Happened?

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy tuck muscle loosening

Answer: Tummy tuck muscle loosening

Answer: Muscle repair has come loose after tuumy tuck

Answer: Muscle repair has come loose after tuumy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.