Undoing muscle repair - can this be reversed & corrected?

Question

I had a drainless tummy tuck over three years ago and my muscle repair is too tight. Its affected my ability to stand up straight, my mobility and how my body functions. I can't even fully stretch out when sleeping. It's as if my stomach is doing a permanent abdominal crunch. It feels like I'm falling forwards because its pulled so tight. There is so much pressure on my lower back that I can't stand for long periods of time. Can this be reversed and corrected? Thank-you.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, without in person evaluation, it would be impossible to give you meaningful answer. "Too tight muscle repair" may not be related only to repair itself but, possibly, secondary scarring including scar due to a glue which may have been used for drainless TT? In person consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon (2 or 3) is recommended. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Mira_Laila11,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The permanent sutures could be snipped, but the muscles have healed together and may be difficult to separate and avoid a hernia. If a hernia occurred, mesh could be used. Please discuss this with your surgeon. If you are needing more skin, a tissue expander could be inserted to stretch more skin so your abdomen is more loose.  Usually, the problem is the skin is pulled too tightly instead of the muscle repair.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Mira,
Yes? Your abdominoplasty may be revised and the sutures relaxed.  Is your original surgeon willing to review your issues?
Best wishes 
Dr. Taranow

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

A tummy tuck is a permanent and more or less irreversible procedure.
I do not recommend attempting to undo muscle tightening. Doing so could lead to an incisional hernia.
Most people eventually get used to the changes after this procedure.
You may want to consider a round of physical therapy to get maximum range of motion through stretching exercises.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Undoing muscle repair - can this be reversed & corrected?

Answers (5)