Can weight gain 1 year post tummy tuck revision cause sutures to tear? (photo)

Question

Im little over 1yr tummy tuck revision. pretty sure im going through menopause. Ive gotten my period 2x a month, last 3 months. W/that said ive gained 5-6lbs. I do not feel well. My stomach is distended/bloated. Nothing fits well. Yesterday (mon) noticed a light redish bruise. Today (tue) i saw Dr for kenalong injection. he said i may have pulled a suture. After the injection the bruise is darker. Could this weight gain make a suture pull/rip the repair? This is my 3rd, i cant do any more fixing

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bigblueyes76,
generally speaking, it is possible to have suture tear if you gain weight. I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Weight gain after a tummy tuck revision can potentially affect the surgical outcome and integrity of the sutures, but whether sutures specifically tear depends on several factors:

Extent of Weight Gain: Moderate weight gain may stretch the skin and underlying tissues, putting stress on the sutures used during the tummy tuck revision. Excessive weight gain can increase this stress significantly.

Suture Type and Technique: The type of sutures used and the surgical technique employed during the tummy tuck revision play a role. Some sutures are more resilient to tension than others.

Healing and Scar Tissue: The healing process post-surgery involves the formation of scar tissue, which initially strengthens the surgical area. However, excessive weight gain can potentially strain these tissues and compromise their integrity over time.

Individual Variability: Each person's body reacts differently to weight gain. Some individuals may experience stretching and strain around the surgical site more than others.

Timing of Weight Gain: Weight gain soon after surgery, when tissues are still healing and settling, can potentially have a greater impact on sutures than weight gain occurring significantly later.

It's important to note that while weight gain can contribute to changes in the appearance of the abdomen after tummy tuck revision, including stretching or loosening of tissues, actual tearing of sutures is less common unless the weight gain is extreme or sudden.

If you've undergone a tummy tuck revision and are concerned about the impact of weight gain, it's advisable to:

Maintain a stable and healthy weight post-surgery to support optimal healing and long-term results.
Follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions, including guidelines for physical activity and diet.
Monitor any changes in your abdominal appearance and consult with your surgeon if you have concerns.
In summary, while weight gain can affect the outcome of a tummy tuck revision, including the potential for changes in abdominal contour, the specific risk of sutures tearing depends on multiple factors and individual circumstances.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question regarding the impact of weight gain on tummy tuck revision sutures.

Yes, weight gain can indeed cause your rectus abdominis or six-pack muscle placation sutures to rip and tear. This is a possibility that you should be mindful of. To prevent this from happening, it's crucial to minimize weight gain.

I would recommend a comprehensive approach to weight management, including diet, exercise, and potentially working with a registered dietitian or personal trainer. Additionally, weight loss medications may be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

It's important to note that while kenalog can help minimize scarring, it cannot replace torn sutures. Therefore, the key is to avoid significant weight gain to protect the integrity of your tummy tuck results.

In summary, prioritize weight management to safeguard the outcomes of your tummy tuck revision. I hope this addresses your concerns.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

You can expect to be mostly healed by one year. At this point, the sutures aren't active in holding the incision together. This goes even for sutures that don't dissolve. The hypertrophic scar may be from a stitch reaction or slow infection. Kenalog injections seem like a good way to proceed.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Weight gain after a tummy tuck can cause the bloating and pressure you fell inside your abdomen. It is not uncommon because the fat has accumulated inside your abdomen. Weight loss should be tried and it may alleviate the symptoms

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Sudden weight gain may potentially contribute to increased stress on surgical areas, and it’s essential to inform your doctor about any changes. The appearance of a bruise, especially after an injection, could be related to various factors, including localized trauma.

However, only your healthcare provider can assess your specific situation accurately. If you’re experiencing discomfort, changes in appearance, or concerns about your tummy tuck revision, it’s crucial to consult with your surgeon promptly to rule out any complications and receive appropriate guidance on your symptoms.

Best of luck !

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Gaining 5-6 pounds will not cause the permanent sutures to tear, plus scar tissue has grown among the sutures and is providing strength,  Perhaps, have your hormone levels checked.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Sudden weight gain can cause an increase intraabdominal fat and impact your surgical results.  That said, a weight gain of 5 to 6 pounds would not commonly cause muscle repair to fail at one year post op.  You should continue having the bruising followed by your surgeon.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Waking after a tummy tuck is highly unlikely to tear a suture. What it will do is increase visceral or intra-abdominal fat, which can create a bulging abdomen. Visceral fat is the number one reason patients have a bulging abdomen after this procedure.
Weight loss should help flatten your abdomen and improve your outcome.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Can weight gain 1 year post tummy tuck revision cause sutures to tear? (photo)

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