Does the Feeling of the Internal Stitches to the Muscle Repair Completely Subside?

Question

I am asking this because I have read that women on real self had had tummy tucks and subsequently had trouble breathing deeply and they are blaming the stitches?

Nikesh K. Patel, MD · Answer

Typically you do not feel the internal stitches at all after a tummy tuck.  If however the muscles are tightened to a severe or extreme level then your abdominal organs will push up on your diaphragm making it more difficult to breath.  

	The diaphragm is the muscle that separates your abdominal cavity from your lungs and also is the main component in the mechanism of breathing.  Your organs will push up on it and constrict your lungs from being able to expand as easily as they did before.  Generally, most people get used to this feeling and it subsides but in certain cases it can be quite distressful. 

	It is rare and not likely to happen to you in the hands of an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

In my experience, breathing difficulties after a tummy tuck are incredibly rare. Patients that have a lot of inter abdominal fat and have a tight repair of the muscles will, on rare occasions, find it somewhat difficult deep breathing because the compromise of the abdominal wall expansion can lead to pushing up on the diaphragm of abdominal contents (fat plus abdominal organs). This constriction of the abdominal wall movement (known as excursion) should subside relatively rapidly. Although the abdominal muscle repair is done with permanent sutures, the sutures are placed in muscle fascia which will stretch relatively quickly. This uncomfortable sensation should be gone within around 2 weeks or less.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

When abdominoplasties are performed the fascia is tightened with sutures which are permanent.  These sutures are below the level of the fat and usually cannot be felt, unless the patient is very thin or the sutures erode.  In the immediate post-operative period, patients my have trouble taking deep breathes because of the compression and elevation on the diaphragm.  This resolves usually in about 1 month.

	 

	Best of Luck,

	 

	Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.

	Normally, patients don't feel the sutures of the muscle plication but they do have "tightness" after tummy tuck surgery (which is very normal).  With time and recovery, things get better and the "tight" feeling gradually goes away.

	Best wishes.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

When properly performed, the sensation of tightness after tummy tuck will resolve as healing progresses. Some patients have reactions to the internal sutures used which is a different issue from extreme muscle tightening.  It is advisable to have your abdominoplasty performed by a board certified plastic surgeon who has expertise in this procedure.

Ramon Navarro, MD · Answer

yes the bother a littlle bit the internal stitches but after a few weeks disapear of course you should utilize an elastic abdominal compressive garment even during excersices, avoiding abdominal tension excersises at least during the first post op month

Michael Leff, MD (retired) · Answer

There should definitely be a feeling of firmness, bordering on tightness following tummy tuck, especially if the rectus muscles were repaired. This feeling gradually goes away during the first weeks to a month. This is normal.

Does the Feeling of the Internal Stitches to the Muscle Repair Completely Subside?

Answers (7)

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