Could a seatbelt in a car accident cause damage to my muscle tightening results? (photos)

Question

Hi! I was in a pretty severe car accident in the rear seat, I suffered a fractured spine and sternum. My abdomen was swollen on right, above hip but I chalked it up to from the seatbelt.. fast forward almost 5 months it’s still there and painfully tight. My GP ran tests and sent me to specialists and found nothing. I see my PS next week but could the seatbelt of ruined my tummy/muscle tightening? I look deformed. See picture.. prior plastics, a week prior to accident and now.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing your history and photos. Based on the severity of the car accident you described, it is very possible that the force of the seatbelt during the impact could have damaged the muscle tightening results from your tummy tuck. Since you suffered fractures to your spine and sternum, the force involved was substantial, and this kind of trauma can also affect the rectus abdominis muscles that were repaired during your tummy tuck.

The tightening of these muscles is typically achieved with sutures, and the intense pressure from a seatbelt during a high-impact collision could potentially tear these sutures. This could lead to muscle deformity, which may explain the persistent swelling and tightness you're experiencing. Additionally, the trauma from the accident could cause internal bleeding, resulting in a hematoma (collection of blood) or a seroma (collection of serous fluid). Either of these could present as swelling or a bulge in the area.

It's good that you're seeing your plastic surgeon soon, as they may need to perform additional tests, such as an MRI, to assess whether the muscle repair has been disrupted. Depending on the findings, the solution could range from draining any fluid collections to considering revision surgery if the muscle tightening has been compromised.

Given the complexity of your case, it’s crucial to follow up with your plastic surgeon for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. They will be able to determine the best course of action based on your specific situation.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Azita Madjidi, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

You will need some imaging like CT scan or MRI to see what is causing the bulge. Seat belt is unlikely to do this but a pelvic fracture can cause swelling, hematoma, or nerve damage to cause a bulge.

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

You do have fullness on your flank, abdomen in the same area where you had redundant tissue prior to the tummy tuck. You may have pre-existing attenuation of your abdominal musculature, that was exacerbated by the car accident. If you had a failure of rectus diastasis repair, the bulge would be above the belly button, not to the side. Imaging may clarify the situation. I would obtain a CT or ultrasound prior to seeing your surgeon to facilitate the discussion.

Tek Przylecki, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. A significant impact that fractured your sternum can certainly injure your abdominal wall, whether it's the prior tightening you had with your abdominoplasty/tummy tuck, or another are such as your oblique muscles or injury to the rectus abdomonus muscles. I think in this case imaging such as a CT scan to evaluate your abdominal wall would be informative. I hope this helps answer your question and best of luck!

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

hello,
I am so sorry to hear of your accident and what you must have gone through with those injuries.
Are you able to re-edit your post to tell us what diagnostic testing was performed by your GP and specialists?  Was it x-ray, sonogram, or MRI?   With your muscle question, your plastic surgeon should be able to feel the muscle to tell if it is still intact. However, that muscle runs right up the middle of your abdomen.  Let us know more about the testing if you can.

Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez
Baltimore, Maryland

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I suspect that you may have a seroma from the injury. An ultrasound could be done to see if you have fluid and the fluid could be drained. I doubt your muscles were injured, but a hernia is always possible.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your accident and injuries.  While the seatbelt wouldn't necessarily "undo" the corrections from the tummy tuck the severe impact from the accident could damage your abdominal wall.  Additional imaging such as an MRI or CT scan would be helpful in determining what is occurring below the surface.

Marvin F. Shienbaum, MD · Answer

It's certainly possible that the seatbelt injury could have contributed to the abdominal swelling and tightness you're experiencing. Even without visible bruising or other immediate signs, internal injuries can develop over time.

Here are some potential explanations:

Muscle strain or tear: The force of the seatbelt could have caused damage to the muscles in your abdomen.
Scar tissue formation: The body's healing process can sometimes lead to scar tissue formation, which can cause pain and tightness.
Internal bleeding or hematoma: A blood clot or internal bleeding could be causing the swelling.
It's important to discuss these concerns with your plastic surgeon. They can examine the area and determine the underlying cause. They may recommend:

Imaging tests: Such as an ultrasound or MRI, to assess the internal structures.
Physical therapy: To help address muscle tightness and improve flexibility.
Surgical intervention: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying issue.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on nicely post photos, I would recommend a CAT scan or MRI of your subcutaneous tissue comparing the right to left abdomen if there’s lacking a muscle it could’ve been caused by the auto wax. Best to get multiple consultations because it appears you’re trying to have the health portion of your auto insurance cover the repair of virtual consult with.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I’m sorry you were in a bad car accident.
If muscle tightening done previously was torn, and you should see bulging of your abdominal wall in the midline.
On your picture it shows bulging on your left side, but perhaps that’s because you took the picture using a mirror.
 to make a quality assessment we need to see quality comparison.
Get a complete set of before and after pictures from your provider.
The fullness in your right lower abdomen could be a variety of different variables.
It would be helpful to know what kind of evaluation you had by your GP.
It would also be important to know how long ago your tummy tuck was performed.
The accident was in the early post operative. After the tummy tuck, then a fluid collection needs to be evaluated for or possibly a hematoma though a blood collection would’ve given you, a significant amount of bruising and should be shrinking.
Your plastic surgeon should be able to help you and make a better assessment.
Fluid collections can be assessed on examination or by having an ultrasound done.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Could a seatbelt in a car accident cause damage to my muscle tightening results? (photos)

Answers (10)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (10)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

After having a tummy tuck procedure, can I regain the fat around the abdomen?

Is a tummy tuck not going to work long term for someone who is genetically prone to visceral fat accumulation?

What can be done to speed up the healing process of a hematoma? (photos)

How long after an Ileostomy can a tummy tuck be performed?

Why does the incision line area feel hard? I’m 10 months post-op

Are lymphatic massages to the back and abdomen recommended after a tummy tuck and liposuction? Why or why not?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS