Can my body be having a bad reaction to clips from tummy tuck? 13 years p.o.

Question

I had a tummy tuck 13 years ago and have never felt right. Recently my dr had me get an MRI because she thought she felt a tumor in my upper left side. The mri showed clips in my stomach and noted the lump was probably scar tissue from my tummy tuck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your stomach issues.  After 13 years the metal clips have most likely been covered with your natural scar tissue, preventing any reaction but the scar tissue itself may cause issues.  I would take your findings and discuss with your plastic surgeon for possible intervention.  Hope this helps.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problems you are experiencing.  Anything is possible but it is difficult to imagine that you are experiencing a reaction to a foreign body 13 years after tummy tuck surgery. In other words, very generally speaking, it is more likely that something else is causing your symptoms.

Obviously, careful  history, physical examination, laboratory studies, and imaging will likely be necessary to provide you with accurate diagnosis.

My best advice to patients experiencing symptoms ( without a definitive diagnosis) is: seek second and third opinion consultations with appropriate specialists as needed until a definitive diagnosis (and treatment plan) is  achieved.

Best wishes.

Charles R. Nathan, MD, FACS · Answer

A very small amount of people can have a true allergy to the metal used in staples.  You need to discuss with your surgeon whether these clips were placed during your tummy tuck or some other surgery and if necessary can they be removed.  Most of symptoms like yours can be attributed to some other much more common cause.  Discuss with your doc all the options.

Can my body be having a bad reaction to clips from tummy tuck? 13 years p.o.

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Can my body be having a bad reaction to clips from tummy tuck? 13 years p.o.

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.