Can Stitches on Muscle Repair Be Torn by Coughing?

Abdominoplasty
not only removes excess skin, but also tightens the underlying abdominal wall
muscles.These muscles can be weakened,
stretched and torn during pregnancy.This can result in the characteristic protuberant abdomen that is
commonly seen following pregnancy.Abdominoplasty tightens these
muscles in a side to side manner which results in a flatter abdomen.Most surgeons use a continuous suture for
this closure, but in some cases individual sutures may be used instead.These sutures maintain the structural
integrity of the abdominal wall until the wound has regained adequate
strength.This usually occurs in about 6
to 8 weeks.At this point, these
structural sutures have served their purpose.When trauma of any type occurs
during the initial phases of wound healing, disruption of these sutures can
result in a recurrence of the original problem.Under these circumstances, a flat abdominal wall may suddenly bulge in
an outward direction.Although it’s
unlikely that coughing could cause this type of problem, it’s still definitely
a possibility.If you’re concerned about disruption
of your internal sutures, a consultation with your plastic surgeon is
appropriate.Your surgeon should be able
to evaluate your abdominal wall and determine whether or not a disruption of
your closure has occurred.

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after tummy tuck surgery.For precise diagnosis and advise you will be best served by visiting with your plastic surgeon.Generally speaking the plication of the abdominal wall is very secure and it would take significant force / trauma to disrupt this repair. Generally speaking, a sneeze, cough and/or straining will not generate enough force to harm the repair.Again, if you are concerned, I would suggest that you visit with your surgeon for an examination so that he/she can (most likely) put your mind at ease. It will also be important to determine the cause of your persistent cough ( rule out pulmonary complications such as pneumonia). Best wishes.

It is within the realm of possibility that you could have popped a suture, but with that being said, it is highly unlikely. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons are very particular when suturing the abdominal wall. I would still seek the guidance of your plastic surgeon.