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Could I have ruptured a internal suture?

I'm 4 week post op from a tummy tuck, about to 2 weeks ago I strained my stomach muscles and had a bugle on my left side near. I asked my PS about it, he stated that it would resolve on its owe. However I noticed that it's getting worse when it comes to pain. Im worried I may have ruptured a internal stucture. From reading about this it looks as though the only way to fix this is to have surgery. If I didn't want too would I continue to have this pain?

Doctor Answers 4

Could I have ruptured an internal suture?

November 13th, 2016
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Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your stomach strain.  If your muscle repair suture had torn, pain is usually located over the middle of the stomach running somewhere from your breastbone down towards your pelvis.  With the development of a bulge and worsening pain I would be concerned for the development of a discrete fluid collection, such as a seroma or hematoma.  See your surgeon for an evaluation, they may have access to an ultrasound that can help identify the cause of your discomfort.  Hope this helps

Web reference: Http://www.nelson-center.com/tummy-tuck.html.

Nelson Castillo, MD


Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 69 reviews

Pain and fullness

November 13th, 2016
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You would have to be seen in person. If a suture of your plication tore the soreness often goes away after a few days.  Are you sure it is not something else like fluid?

Web reference: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/body-procedures/abdominoplasty/

Steven Wallach, MD

Steven Wallach, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 29 reviews

Abdominoplasty Post Op question

November 13th, 2016
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After abdominoplasty surgery, it  is a little unusual to have a bulge on the side rather in the midline. The rectus muscle is plicated in the midline with sutures. If a suture breaks, it potentially can lead to a midline bulge. Please consult your plastic surgeon. 

George C. Peck, Jr, MD

George C. Peck, Jr, MD
West Orange Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 22 reviews

Could I have ruptured a internal suture?

November 12th, 2016
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I am sorry to hear about the problem you are experiencing.   Generally, the abdominal wall re approximation done during tummy tuck surgery is quite secure but disruption can occur.  This disruption may be associated with discomfort and/or a change in the patient's physical examination.  Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when comes to providing you with a diagnosis, advice, and/or meaningful reassurance.   Best wishes.

Web reference: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/Procedure_tummyTuck.htm

Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS

Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 1,504 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.