Popping Sounds and Sensation in the Belly After Tummy Tuck?

Question

I'm 4 weeks post op from a full Tummy tuck with muscle repair and Liposuction to hips and flanks. For the last 2 weeks, I hear popping sounds and sometimes I feel popping sensations in my belly. Is this normal? If it's a suture, would I feel any pain or discomfort? Is this just part of healing?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It may be that the dissolving sutures are breaking down. Otherwise, it is difficult to say what these popping sounds could be. If you are overly exerting yourself, it could also be that you are breaking down your muscle repair. Discuss your findings with your surgeon and find out how your muscle repair was performed

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the popping sounds and sensations you're experiencing after your tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction. At four weeks post-op, it’s quite common to feel some unusual sensations as your body continues to heal. The popping sounds you’re describing are typically normal and can be due to several factors. Often, air or small amounts of fluid can get trapped beneath the skin during surgery, which can cause a popping or bubbling feeling as your body absorbs it. Additionally, as your muscles and skin are healing and adjusting, it’s not unusual to feel tissue movement or shifting, which can also result in those sensations.

Since your procedure involved muscle repair, there is also the possibility that you may be feeling internal sutures as they settle into place. However, if a suture had torn, you would most likely experience sharp pain, significant discomfort, or bulging in the abdomen, none of which you mentioned. Given that you aren't feeling any pain or major discomfort, this is likely just part of the normal healing process.

That being said, it's always a good idea to discuss any concerns with your plastic surgeon during your follow-up appointment. They’ll be able to evaluate your progress and reassure you that everything is healing as expected.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Brian M. Braithwaite, MD · Answer

Another explanation for these "popping sounds" is shifting fluid. It is very common for fluid to accumulate in areas of the abdomen after a tummy tuck, even if a drain was used (and removed). These pockets of fluid are called seromas and often resolve on their own. Large seromas frequently need drainage. As you move about and flex your abdominal muscles, you could very well be forcing this fluid around various small pockets, causing an audible sound. A simple exam by your surgeon can determine if fluid is likely present.

Popping Sounds and Sensation in the Belly After Tummy Tuck?

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Popping Sounds and Sensation in the Belly After Tummy Tuck?

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