Should I have broken ribs after a tummy tuck?

Question

I recently had a tummy tuck and lipo. I can feel several pieces of my ribs gone. I asked my dr did he break or remove ribs during lipo because I can feel them gone and it’s very painful. He just said “yep”. I have talked to a few people since then that said that is absolutely not normal. Can you please let me know if this should have happened.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and the answer is absolutely not.  There has to be a miscommunication.  I would recommend you follow up with your surgeon and or seek a second opinion on the discomfort that you  are feeling.  Best of luck to you.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. You should not have broken ribs after a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck procedure should not go below the muscle. I will suggest discussing your situation once again with your surgeon.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Absolutely not. There's definitely some sort of misunderstanding between you and your Surgeon. I suggest that you discuss your concerns with him, review your consent forms as well as op-report.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear DawnDoll,I understand your concern. Tummy tuck usually contains of excess skin removal from abdomen and reparation of the muscle separation. 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. Only after 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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

No you should not have portions of your ribs removed or broken during a tummy tuck or liposuction.  There may have been a miscommunication between you and your surgeon.  I encourage you to discuss this further with him. You may want to request a copy of your operative report to determine what took place.

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

Talk to you plastic surgeon and clarify understanding of your questions. If ribs were damaged, ask questions. If you are uncomfortable with the answers, seek a second opinion. Ribs are not removed or damaged during a standard tummy tuck.

Sameer Karkhanis, MS, DNB · Answer

Hello! I believe there is some miscommunication between your PS & you. There should be no reason to have broken ribs following a TT procedure, but you could rarely have tenderness over some area following surgery which might mimic a broken rib, if not several.I wish you a speedy recovery. All the best.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after tummy tuck surgery. I think there may have been some  miscommunication with your plastic surgeon; fracturing or removing rips is not a part of tummy tuck surgery.  Best to clarify with him. Best wishes.

Thomas Trey Sands, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I’m sorry for your concern. Removal of ribs or breaking of ribs is certainly not a component of a tummy tuck. An in person exam and a copy of your surgeons operative note would be needed to better assess you situation.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

It is not normal to have broken ribs after a tummy tuck.  I truly hope there is miscommunication between you and your surgeon.  Schedule an appointment to discuss.  I would also ask for a copy of my operative report for review.

Should I have broken ribs after a tummy tuck?

Answers (10)

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