Tummy Tuck Constipation Can I Pull Internal Sutures

It is very normal not to have a bowel movement for a few days after surgery.  Colase and hydration are key.  I would try not to strain.  I would call your Plastic Surgeon and see what he/she likes to do in your particular case.

Constipation can be common in this situation.  I would recommend against "pushing" on your newly tightened tummy.  It could influence the final result.  You are taking Colace which is a stool softener.  What you need is a stimulant for bowel movement such as Ducolax or good old prune juice.  With a stimulant and a softener the event of your bowel movement should be uneventful.

 

At  this early stage you can pop sutures.  The pain pills cause this.  My patient have a colon cleaning before and strart on colace the day after surgery.  I would take something mild and take twice a day until it corrects.  If you strain to hard you could pop sutures or tear tissue.

  It is very unlikely that you did anything to disrupt your internal sutures.  However, you definately want to minimize the need for straining due to constipation.  If already using Colace twice daily as you are, then I would recommend adding a tablespoon of Magnesium Citrate twice a day and a Dulcolax suppository in the morning.  This should get you going, but be careful not to give yourself excessive diarrhea.  Finally, if possible taper off of your narcotic pain medications and continue your Colace for 2 weeks after you get going again.

Pain medication can definitely make you constipated.  I advise my  tummy tuck patients to take Colase starting right after surgery to try to avoid the problem altogether.  I think it is unlikely that you will damage your muscle repair.  At this point, if you were my patient, I would recommend trying Dulcolax suppositories.  However, I think you should speak to your surgeon to see what he/she recommends that you try.