How Do I Know if I Tore Internal Sutures in my Lower Side Abdominal Wall?

Question

I had a full tt 1year ago and wasn't fully satisfied with the result. I decided on scar revision,redo belly button,and tighten my lower abs due to bulging on the sides. I am a little over 2weeks out of surgery. This surgery was nothing compared to a full tt (pain)so i thought i was healing quickly and feeling great. Big mistake,i layed on my bed on my own without a garment,crunched my ab side ways,to look over to my husband,layed back down and then felt a BAD pain! Still hurts. Ab work ruined?

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Muscle strain or pulling pain after muscle tightening is common, especially after certain movements you later realize you shouldn 't have done. Rarely does it affect the overall result or pull apart the suture line. I use multiple individually placed sutures, so it would be extremely difficult to tear the whole suture line unless there was some moderate trauma of some sort. Usually the discomfort gradually dissipates without any sequelae.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It is difficult to assess if internal sutures have been torn unless there is a sudden change in the contour of the abdominal wall. Definitve testing would possibly require more extensive (and expensive) radiologic evaluation. SO typically we wait and observe as there is little that would be done on an urgent basis.

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

It sounds as if your surgeon made some great improvements on your tummy tuck revision.   I always ask my patients to maintain a binder at all times for 6 weeks, even while asleep.   It is unlikely that your sutures pulled out without hearing an popping sound.   In order to prevent this,  It is extremely important to wear your binder at all times, not lift anything heavier than a phone book, and have assistance when lying down or standing up.

How Do I Know if I Tore Internal Sutures in my Lower Side Abdominal Wall?

Answers (3)

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.

How Do I Know if I Tore Internal Sutures in my Lower Side Abdominal Wall?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

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.