Can prolonged periods of sitting on the toilet cause issues with tummy tuck?

Question

I had a tummy tuck a couple of years ago but 7 weeks after the procedure I spent a week sitting on the toilet each morning for a very long time cause I was having constipation, could the sitting for that long of done anything to the tummy tuck/MR?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Spending prolonged periods sitting on the toilet after a tummy tuck, especially during the early healing stages, is unlikely to directly affect the structural integrity of your muscle repair (MR) or the overall results of your tummy tuck. However, it can contribute to discomfort, increased pressure on the abdominal area, and possible swelling.

Sitting for extended periods, particularly if you’re straining due to constipation, can place additional stress on the surgical area. While this stress is unlikely to undo muscle repair or damage your results years after the procedure, it may have caused temporary discomfort or a sensation of tightness. This is especially true if you were still in the healing phase at the time.

If you’re experiencing ongoing issues, such as pain, tightness, or changes in the appearance of your abdomen, it’s essential to consult with your surgeon. They can evaluate your current condition and determine if any adjustments or interventions are needed. It’s also worth discussing any ongoing constipation issues with your primary care doctor, as prolonged straining can lead to other health concerns unrelated to your surgery.

In the future, maintaining a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter remedies when needed can help prevent prolonged periods of sitting due to constipation. If you have any lingering concerns about your tummy tuck, your plastic surgeon can provide reassurance or recommend additional measures to optimize your long-term results.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Ali Cetinkaya, MD · Answer

Seven weeks after a tummy tuck with muscle repair (MR), sitting on the toilet for a prolonged period due to constipation is unlikely to have caused significant damage, especially if the muscle repair had already started healing well by then.
In the early post-op weeks, increased abdominal pressure &mdash; like from straining during constipation &mdash; can theoretically affect the internal sutures used for muscle tightening. However, by the 7th week, the majority of healing has typically occurred, and the muscle repair is relatively stable.
Unless you've noticed symptoms like a bulge, asymmetry, or pain in the abdominal wall, there’s no strong indication that the repair was compromised. If you have concerns, a consultation with your plastic surgeon and an imaging test like ultrasound or MRI can offer clarity and peace of mind.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear baiabaj,

I understand your concern. Prolonged sitting should have no negative effects on your tummy tuck results.  It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

As you were seven weeks out from your surgery, at this period, you should be fully healed from your muscle repair as well as your skin repair. Obviously, straining could put some tension on the muscle repair, but if you’ve not had any alteration in your appearance of your abdomen or increase pain, it’s unlikely.  Start a good bowel regiment with stool softeners to correct your constipation and follow up with your plastic surgeon just to be sure. Best wishes.

Daniel Careaga, MD · Answer

that’s an excellent question,. It’s important to talk about the potential for constipation after any surgery. Narcotics are generally prescribed for pain control after surgery and can lead to significant constipation, especially in patients that are prone to it. Constipation can be very uncomfortable and even painful, but it should not cause any detrimental effects on the result of the surgery especially so many weeks after surgery was performed.

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Sitting on the toilet puts your body in a bent position, which can increase intra-abdominal pressure. While this is not an issue for short periods, prolonged sitting can stress the abdominal wall and repair sites, especially if you're straining due to constipation. At 7 weeks post-operation, your abdominal tissue and muscles were still healing. The internal sutures used to repair separated abdominal muscles can handle some pressure, but prolonged straining or poor posture during the healing process may have an adverse effect. However, the chances of significant disruption are low, unless you experience symptoms such as bulging, discomfort, pain, or noticeable changes in the appearance of your abdomen. If you have any concerns, it’s best to consult your surgeon to ensure that your muscle repair and tummy tuck results are intact.

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

Prolonged sitting, like staying on the toilet for extended periods, is unlikely to cause significant issues with your tummy tuck or muscle repair years after the surgery. However, straining due to constipation could put additional pressure on the abdominal muscles and potentially affect the muscle repair, especially in the earlier stages of recovery. 
While it may not affect the long-term results of your tummy tuck, extended sitting could lead to temporary discomfort or swelling in the area, especially if straining was involved. If you're experiencing ongoing issues such as pain, tightness, or changes in the appearance of your abdomen, it's worth consulting your surgeon to ensure everything is healing well. 
Around the time of surgery, it is very important to have a bowel regimen to prevent issues like constipation, which can cause pain and straining and potentially impact your results.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

Prolonged sitting should cause no problems with the healing of a tummy tuck. Excessive straining will put pressure on the abdominal wall and could possibly cause stretching of the repair. At 2 years, everything should be well healed. If there are any concerns, I would obtain an MRI.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you were straining, you might have pulled on or even apart your muscle repair. if you did not strain, sitting is no problem.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods seven weeks after your tummy tuck would not directly impact your results.  It could potentially cause increased swelling at the time but that would have resolved quickly.

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