I think i stretched or compromised the tightness of my muscle repair by binge eating and eating big meals. Is this possible?

Question

6 months post op tummy tuck

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

You have to acknowledge that the muscle is very elastic and will expand easily if you put on weight and overstretch the intrabdominal volume.I have seen it many times, after doing a very nice and tight muscle repair, patients put on weight and gain all of the weight on upper body (shoulders, chest, neck, face and arms) and also the intrabdominal fat increases a lot, so the abdomen start looking protruding again, the muscle repair is intact but overstretched.So. if you lose the weight most likely your muscle repair will return to normal.It is very unlikely the MR is torn after eating large volume of foodBe encouraged and go back to a healthier life.Dr. Cardenas

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Over eating a single meal or two will not compromise your abdominoplasty result. However gaining excessive weight after your abdominoplasty will.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

Overeating a single meal here and there will not damage your results. However gaining large amounts of weight and particularly fat inside of the abdomen may stretch open your abdominal repair. It is very important to try to maintain your weight and healthy lifestyle after your tummy tuck. I recommend you try some weight-loss modalities. I would talk to your surgeon and get them in person examination to help determine the status of your muscular repair.It is imperative that you seek the advice of a plastic
surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has
extensive experience in tummy tuck / abdominoplasty.

I wish you the best.

Dr. Gabbay.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Yes, of course. If you overeat and gain weight, then the muscle is going to expand to accommodate the additional weight. I would advise that you get on a healthy eating regime -- Weight Watchers is a great program -- and take off the extra pounds. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, thereAt 6 months post-op from tummy tuck, you should be fully healed and your surgical outcome should have been accomplished.  I doubt that one binge eating would have compromised your result at this time.  Having said that, it is important to maintain your pre-surgical weight in order to maintain your surgical outcome.Best regards.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Anything is possible but, in general, it would take a significant amount of pressure to “disrupt" the muscle repair after tummy tuck surgery. This event would likely be associated with significant discomfort. A change in your physical examination, such as increased swelling, bleeding, a new onset "bulge" would also be likely.Generally speaking, abdominal wall muscle plication performed during tummy tuck surgery is quite secure; disruption is very unusual. You will be best off following up with your plastic surgeon who will be your best resource when it comes to accurate assessment, advice, and/or meaningful reassurance.Best wishes.

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear foreveryoung908,

Occasional overeating following an abdominoplasty
is unlikely to compromise a rectus abdominis muscle repair.  At 3-6 months you’ve achieved a solid
collagenous union between the edges of the sutured muscle repair.  This is a very strong repair.  Systematic and prolonged weight gain,
especially of visceral fat which stresses the abdominal wall much like a
pregnancy, can indeed stretch or compromise your rectus abdominis repair.  It is extremely important that you exercise
weight neutrality and do not gain more than 5 pounds following abdominoplasty
to protect your investment.

Strict adherence to a healthy
lifestyle, regular eating habits and exercise could help minimize any
compromise of your surgical result.

To assess the status of your muscle
repair simply visit with your operative surgeon as they are in the best
position to advise you.

I hope this information is of some
assistance and best of luck.

To find out more, please visit the
link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

I think i stretched or compromised the tightness of my muscle repair by binge eating and eating big meals. Is this possible?

Answers (7)

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