Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

see all q&a
Posted underTummy Tuck q&a

How Strong Are the Internal Stitches?

MN
michelle in N.H.Oct 31, 2011

I had a tummy tuck 2 weeks ago.I feel great and have had almost no pain. I do get sore and tight,I know that is to be expected. I guess the fact that I have had no pain and that I feel so good it makes me wonder if I may have ruined/tore the internal stitches used to repair the muscle wall. I have read the other posts.My belly is flat and no "pops". I am afraid by getting up and down I may have damaged something , is that possible?I am VERY happy with my results so far that is why I am worried.

Answers (6)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Remus Repta, MD
Dr. Remus Repta, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Nov 6, 2011
Answer
Dr. Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Dr. Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Nov 3, 2011
Answer
Dr. John P. Di Saia, MD
Dr. John P. Di Saia, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Sep 1, 2015
Answer
Dr. Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS
Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS profile photo
Dr. Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.9 | 99 Reviews
Answered on Nov 3, 2011
Answer
Dr. Tito Vasquez, MD, FACS
Dr. Tito Vasquez, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Nov 3, 2011
Answer
Dr. Tom J. Pousti, MD
Dr. Tom J. Pousti, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Nov 2, 2011
Answer

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Top Answer
User Avatar
John J. Corey, MD

Six months to a year is the usual….I think anytime in that window works for most patients and surgeons. I usually do this type of revision in the office and under local anesthesia and at no charge but remember to pick a time when you are not going snowboarding or jet skiing 5 days...

+19 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Joseph Mele, MD

When the abdominal muscles are lax, like after pregnancy or weight loss, the rectus muscle is plicated (tightened). The plication tightens the case that contains the muscles, but this case does not stop at the border of the rectus muscle.  This tough casing, called fascia, is continuous...

+16 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC

Three weeks is usually sufficient if muscle repair wasn’t done. It’s up to you whether you’d like to wear it for longer, as many patients become so accustomed to wearing the binder that they continue wearing it for a few more weeks after that.

+25 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
John J. Corey, MD

If it is just overeating, then you really should be fine! It would take a good amount of force to tear sutures out (like a fall or a forceful sit up)…and in those cases most patients can actually hear or feel a “pop”…And by 6 weeks most of those tissues are pretty well...

+5 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS

This is most likely do to the sutures used under the skin on the muscle. i wouldn't cut it our but would surgically explore the area to see what is causing the inflamation around the belly button

+9 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Gary M. Horndeski, MD

The answer is no. What you are experiencing now is the tightness of your abdominal muscles. This creates intra-abdominal pressure which translates into early satiety by your brain. Without additional support (large mesh placement) your muscles will eventually stretch out and you will no longer...

+12 answers
See all Tummy Tuck Q&A
See more Tummy Tuck Q&As
See all Q&As
SEE TUMMY TUCK GUIDE →