18 months after tummy tuck. Stomach protruding, tight pulling feeling is present. Would muscle repair retightening help?(photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 1.5 years ago and 5 months ago out of nowhere after traveling my stomach started sticking out a lot more and pulling all in torso and tight. Could this be muscle repair laxity that needs retightening? This happened to me after being severely constipated and pushing out with a lot of force. It hasn’t gone away for months and remains constant. The photos are with me letting it hang all the way. My stomach was not this protruding before. Constipstion has been resolved for months.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding a protruding tummy one and half years after a tummy tuck. From your pictures and your history, it sounds like the abdominal. Sutures positioned to repair the rectus abdominis muscle have either weakened or come loose. This may or may not have had to do with constipation. It may also have to do with the suture used; if your plastic surgeon had used absorbable sutures, the sutures would have dissolved. Instead, most plastic surgeons use permanent sutures to prevent problems like this. Since the abdomen is protruding a year and a a half after your tummy tuck, I suggest a revision abdominoplasty. This would primarily concentrate on muscle repair and decreasing the anterior distension of your abdomen. This should be done with permanent sutures in a two-layer suture from your sternum to your pubic region. I hope this helps answer your question about a protruding stomach after a tummy tuck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It may be that your muscle repair has failed and needs to be revised.  Another influence could be if you gained weight since your surgery.  If your weight has been stable it may be the strain from the constipation was too much for the repair.  I encourage you to visit with your surgeon for an evaluation.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ananevasophia,
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

Typically, once the muscles are tightened, they do not loosen easily. It sounds like you may have some food allergy issues causing bloating and constipation. Please discuss this with your family physician.

Daniel Schmid, MD · Answer

It is possible that the diastasis repair has loosened.  This can happen when you have constipation or a lot of swelling inside the abdomen.  It is worth seeing your plastic surgeon to discuss.  Doing a second repair of the muscle may be the answer but it is hard to tell based on pictures alone.

18 months after tummy tuck. Stomach protruding, tight pulling feeling is present. Would muscle repair retightening help?(photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Protrusion after TT

Answer: Protrusion after TT

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18 months after tummy tuck. Stomach protruding, tight pulling feeling is present. Would muscle repair retightening help?(photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Protrusion after TT

Answer: Protrusion after TT

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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.