Did I bust my stitches in my muscle repair from sneezing? 4 days PO

Question

I am 4 days PO Tummy Tuck with muscle repair, i sneezed felt a pain and burn like i have if i tried to cough in the past 4 days but the pain was over in like 3 mins but now i feel like i busted a stitch or something because after that sneeze i can breath better, it doesnt hurt when i cough it like all of a sudden a lot of muscle pain disappeared. Is it possible i riped my muscle repair?

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

If you were to damage the muscle repair or bust a stitch, in addition to the pain there is usually a "popping" sensation and a bulge.  Your surgeon could help to answer that question by examining you in person.  Please try not to worry too much about this and best of luck with your continued recovery!

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. From your narrative it sound as though you most likely did not "bust" a stitch. This event is typically associated with the feeling or hearing of a "pop", which is followed by a "bulge" in the area of the pop. However making this diagnosis would require an in-person examination. I would therefore recommend to follow up with your plastic surgeon as they are in the best position to evaluate and treat you. I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

The best way to find out if there are any "busted stitches" is to see your Plastic Surgeon so he can examine you.  Most likely it is nothing to worry about, but he or she would be able to give you an answer.

Did I bust my stitches in my muscle repair from sneezing? 4 days PO

Answers (3)