Tummy Tuck Sutures Possibly Torn?

Question

I am 15 days PO from a full Tummy Tuck, muscle repair, and Liposuction. I was swollen on the lower half and flat at the top. My swelling was nearly gone at day 11 and then at day 12, I woke up very puffy upper and lower. What would have caused my swelling to happen late? Could this be the sign of torn stitches? I have no direct pain, just generalized irritations. No bruising in center abs, only around incision and pubic area. What could have caused this? And what are the signs an symptoms of torn sutures?

Scott Tucker, MD · Answer

Sometimes after the drain is removed patients will accumulate fluid beneath the abdominal flap.  This is easily taken care of with repeated aspirations with a small needle.  It could also be swelling in the tissue.  
Your surgeon should be able to tell the difference with a physical exam.
Hope this was helpful,
Dr T

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the possibility of torn sutures after a tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction. It’s not uncommon to experience some swelling fluctuations in the early recovery period, but I understand why you might be concerned about the sudden increase in puffiness at 12 days post-op.

Here are a few possible explanations for your swelling and concerns:

Normal Post-Operative Swelling: Swelling after a tummy tuck is very common and can fluctuate. Some patients experience an initial reduction in swelling, only to see it return or worsen later. This can happen due to factors such as activity levels, fluid retention, or even the body's natural healing process.

Fluid Accumulation (Seroma): Sometimes swelling can be due to a seroma, which is a collection of fluid under the skin. This can occur after surgery and might explain the puffiness you're seeing. Seromas usually resolve on their own but may need to be aspirated by your surgeon if they become too large or uncomfortable.

Signs of Torn Sutures: Torn muscle repair sutures could lead to bulging or asymmetry in the abdomen, particularly around the area where the muscle repair was performed. Typical signs include:

Sudden or severe bulging in one specific area
Sharp pain or discomfort (though you mentioned you don’t have direct pain)
Prolonged or increasing swelling after an initial reduction
Weakness in the abdominal muscles when moving or standing
Given that you don’t have direct pain and only generalized irritation, it’s less likely that the sutures have torn, but it’s still something worth checking out.

I recommend reaching out to your plastic surgeon for an evaluation. They may perform an ultrasound or physical exam to rule out a seroma or any issues with your muscle repair. In the meantime, continue wearing your compression garment as advised, and avoid strenuous activities.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
I don't think I could responsibly attempt to answer your question without examining you and knowing more about your course (in other words, without an understanding of how your exam has changed over time)- the only person who might be able to answer the question for you is your surgeon. I would call him or her and pay a visit to the office for an evaluation.

Robert S. Houser, DO · Answer

It's too early to tell, but the lower part of the abdomen is very prone to swelling for months after a tummy tuck.  The more likely explanation would be a fluid collection (seroma) or just edema that would go away with a compression garment.  As always, check with your surgeon.  Good luck!

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

The sutures used to repair or tighten the abdominal muscles during abdominoplasty or tummy tuck can pull out after surgery and allow a bulge to form on the tummy acutely after the tummy was previously flat after surgery. The only way to tell is for your doctor to examine you. This would normally only happen after exertion and stressing the abdominal muscles as in lifting. This is an unusual complication.
New bleeding would have caused pain.
A seroma or fluid collection can certainly cause thois appearance, but I would have expected a post tummy tuck seroma to have occurred gradually and not overnight.
See your doctor as soon as possible--if it is a seroma, it will need to be drained; the sooner, the better.

Tummy Tuck Sutures Possibly Torn?

Answers (5)

Answer: Likely not...

Answer: Likely not...

Answer: Muscle repair sutures can tear after tummy tuck

Answer: Muscle repair sutures can tear after tummy tuck

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Tummy Tuck Sutures Possibly Torn?

Answers (5)

Answer: Likely not...

Answer: Likely not...

Answer: Muscle repair sutures can tear after tummy tuck

Answer: Muscle repair sutures can tear after tummy tuck

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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.