Is it normal too be able to feel the suture post diastisis repair?

Question

I just got a tummy tuck, hernia repair and diastisis repair. I am 2.5 weeks post op and I can feel a bump right under my chest where my abdominals start. I asked the doctor about it and he said I am feeling the suture. Is this normal? He said he buries the sutures under the muscle so I don't understand why i can feel them? I am 130 lbs and was very fit prior to the surgery and had strong abdominals. Could I be feeling because I am thin? Any advice would be great!

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

Hello Alwaysfitgirl.  Yes it is possible to feel the stitches that are used to tighten the rectus muscles after surgery.  More common in thin women.  Usually, you feel them more at this time because of swelling and scarring around the stitches that should resolve over time.  I like to start my patients with scar massage about two weeks after surgery.  I also ask them to massage areas that seem full or hard as well.  Best thing for you is to give this time, minimum 6 months to resolve.  Good luck to you.

Mary Gingrass, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to be able to feel a muscle repair suture in a thin, fit individual.  Just remember... not only could you feel, but you could also see the weak, loose, bulgy muscle wall BEFORE surgery.  An alternative is to gain weight...but most people don't want to do that.  The suture line is a necessary evil so to speak.  There is definitely nothing to do about it right now.  Best to get throughout the healing process and discuss it with your PS down the road.  If it is terribly bothersome there are options to deal with it.  Good luck.

Earl E. Ferguson III, MD, FACS · Answer

In thin patients this is not uncommon. We do our best to bury them so that this is not an issue, but occasionally one can be felt. Depending on the type of suture used, this may or may not improve with time. Talk to your surgeon about the issue and the anticipated likelihood of resolution.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

The diastasis repair usually starts at the upper part of the abdomen and the lower part of the sternum (the xyphoid).  It continues down to the pubic area.  In thin patients, the knot of the suture line may be felt.  Talk to your surgeon about whether you have absorbable suture or not, and as to whether your surgeon believes what you feel is the knot.  Feeling it is normal in most cases.

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

In a thin patient, this may be possible. However, I agree with your surgeon: muscle repair is usually performed through burying these sutures to conceal them. You are relatively early in your recovery process. This may settle with time as these stures may start to relax. Meanwhile, I recomend you adhere to your follow ups and share your concerns with your plastic surgeon.

Is it normal too be able to feel the suture post diastisis repair?

Answers (5)

Answer: Diastasis repair and abdominoplasty

Answer: Diastasis repair and abdominoplasty

Answer: Is it normal too be able to feel the suture post diastisis repair?

Answer: Is it normal too be able to feel the suture post diastisis repair?

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Is it normal too be able to feel the suture post diastisis repair?

Answers (5)

Answer: Diastasis repair and abdominoplasty

Answer: Diastasis repair and abdominoplasty

Answer: Is it normal too be able to feel the suture post diastisis repair?

Answer: Is it normal too be able to feel the suture post diastisis repair?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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