What kind of exam can I take to show tore muscle in my TT muscle repair?

Question

Hi, I’m one year with a bbl tt/mr lipo surgery. For about 4 months now after I was able to start working out, I begin to feel an extra tightness stiffness and discomfort in my man area. I contacted my surgeon. He said it was to far in my post op for anything to go wrong with my surgery. He suggested I get a MRI done, which nothing was found wrong with my complaint. I’ve taken also a sonogram of the abdominal wall, again nothing was found relating to my constant complaints. Can you please help me

Heather Vande Ven, DO · Answer

If you're concerned about a potentially torn muscle following a tummy tuck procedure, it's important to consult with your plastic surgeon. They will be able to evaluate your symptoms, conduct a physical examination, and recommend any necessary diagnostic tests. Some potential assessments and tests that may be used to evaluate muscle integrity or identify issues post-tummy tuck include:1. Physical Examination: Your plastic surgeon will likely start with a physical examination to assess the overall condition of the abdominal area. They will look for signs of muscle separation, such as changes in contour, asymmetry, or visible irregularities.2. Ultrasound Imaging: Ultrasound can be a useful tool to visualize the muscles and soft tissues. It can help identify any muscle separation or other abnormalities in the abdominal wall.3. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, including muscles. It can be used to assess the integrity of the abdominal muscles and identify any issues, such as muscle tears.4. CT Scan (Computed Tomography): CT scans may be employed to obtain detailed cross-sectional images of the abdominal area, allowing for a thorough examination of the muscles and surrounding structures.5. Electromyography (EMG): EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles. While it's more commonly used to diagnose nerve-related issues, it may be employed to assess muscle function in specific cases.It's crucial to communicate any symptoms or concerns you may have with your plastic surgeon promptly. They will guide you through the appropriate diagnostic process based on your individual circumstances. Always follow your healthcare provider's recommendations.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An MRI is a very sensitive test.  If the tests you have had performed did not show any signs of concern there is not another out there that would necessarily give you more answers.  If you feel you have a muscle injury you may try resting the area to see if there is improvement.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Without including it before and after pictures, we can’t begin to make an assessment.
My best guess is you have excess visceral or intra-abdominal fat and this is causing your abdominal bulge after a successful tummy tuck.
Most likely weight loss will improve your symptoms and get you the results you were expecting.
If you want us to make an assessment, you should include proper before and after pictures.
If you don’t have before, and after pictures and ask your surgeon to forward, the pictures they took.
Failure of muscle tightening is very unlikely after a tummy tuck.
 If your MRI did not show a defect, then there is none.
Excess visceral fat is the most common reason. Patience complain of a bulging abdomen, or a tight sensation after this procedure.
The condition is only treated with weight loss.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

What kind of exam can I take to show tore muscle in my TT muscle repair?

Answers (3)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

I have lost 90 pounds and kept it off since 1985. Would I benefit from a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck - 2 years post op -irritation around belly button (Photo)

In constant pain after 2 years. What could this be? (Photo)

Tummy Tuck under local or IV sedation? (Photo)

What went wrong with my tummy tuck and breast augmentation surgery? 7 months post-op (Photo)

Tummy tuck under boob tattoo - will it look stretched, distorted and bad? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS