Can Stitches on Muscle Repair Be Torn by Coughing?

Question

I had prolonged cough the day of tummy tuck and mascle repair surgery. Pain was unbearable, but my concern was that stitches would be ripped. I had cough few days after surgery as well. Now I am 3 weeks post op, but I still cannot stand up right and muscles look swallen. Could my cough bring some damage to the muscles, that would compromise the whole procedure?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

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.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

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.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Yes, severe coughing could theoretically disrupt an abdominal rectus diastasis muscle repair. For this reason, the use of a binder can be helpful.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

Anything is possible but not everything is likely.  When we repair the muscles during a tummy tuck,. the muscles are actually not sutured.  Instead, the tissue around the muscles (called "fascia") is brought together and so any disruption of the repair would actually involve this tissue.

	And although the sutures could potentially cheese-wire through this tissue, it is very unlikely.  However, I would definitely contact your Plastic Surgeon and let them know your concerns.  A good physical exam may be able to answer your question and give you peace of mind.

	I hope that helps!

Can Stitches on Muscle Repair Be Torn by Coughing?

Answers (10)

Answer: Damage or ruining muscle repair with tummy tuck due to severe coughing

Answer: Damage or ruining muscle repair with tummy tuck due to severe coughing

Answer: Can coughing effect my tummy tuck repair?

Answer: Can coughing effect my tummy tuck repair?

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Can Stitches on Muscle Repair Be Torn by Coughing?

Answers (10)

Answer: Damage or ruining muscle repair with tummy tuck due to severe coughing

Answer: Damage or ruining muscle repair with tummy tuck due to severe coughing

Answer: Can coughing effect my tummy tuck repair?

Answer: Can coughing effect my tummy tuck 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.