Did I damage my muscle repair by sneezing yesterday? (photos)

Question

I am 3 weeks post op after a tummy tuck and yesterday I sneezed and it hurt pretty bad like usual but I felt a really sharp pain in one spot and even since than I have been so swollen more swollen than I ever was after the surgery so now I'm worried if I've undone my muscle repair. I'm also more worried because I was always only swollen really below my belly button and ever since yesterday not I'm swollen above my belly button too did I undo my muscle repair?!?!

R. Brannon Claytor, MD, FACS · Answer

Muscle tightening with repair of the rectus fascia is often a performed in a manner to withstand gentle activity in the post operative period. Excessive muscle activity may put stress on the repair. More likely than not a sneeze alone is unlikely to change your repair.A follow up with your plastic surgeon will be helpful in evaluating how you are doing.

Luis Tactuk Simó, MD · Answer

Hello, it's hard to tell without physical examination, but it's very improbable that it might have undone because of a sneeze. Looking at your pictures i don't see any evidence of damage to the plicationbest wishes

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

Thank
you for your enquiry and photos.I think
it is unlikely that you have undone the muscle repair with a sneeze.Often one of the internal stitches can move
slightly following surgery but if you have any concerns it is worthwhile
scheduling a consultation with your plastic surgeon so they can check the area
and ensure that you have not caused any long-term problem.AR

Robert B. Louton, MD · Answer

Without earlier pictures for comparison it is impossible for me to tell how much swelling you may have.It is possible you could have stressed the tightening of the rectus muscles,  causing pain and swelling.   But other things are also possible. These things may include hematoma or seroma. It is important for you to check with your plastic surgeon to see if any other potential complications exist and to engage in treatment as soon as possible.I hope this helps.

Gregory Sexton, MD · Answer

You amy have popped a suture, or you could have torn through the repair, and you may be seeing a small hematoma. I would suggest you call your Plastic Surgeon and make an appointment to be seen soon.Good luck

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.Generally, it would take significant pressure/strain to break a stitch used for abdominal wall muscle plication during tummy tuck surgery.  If this were the case for you you might experience pain,  a “popping” sound/sensation,  swelling etc.Most surgeons use numerous sutures  and  possibly 2 layers to reapproximate the rectus muscles.  If this was the case for you,  then breaking a single stitch will likely be inconsequential.I would suggest that you follow up with your plastic surgeon,  who after direct examination,  will be in a better position to address your concerns (and hopefully provide meaningful reassurance).I hope this helps.

Did I damage my muscle repair by sneezing yesterday? (photos)

Answers (6)

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