Tummy Tuck Result Ruined from Straining on my First Bowel Movement in a Week?

Question

i am freaking out, i had a tummy tuck 1 week ago, and i strained somewhat while going to the bathroom, since the pain meds have made me constipated all week and i was finally able to have a bowel movement. could i have ruined the results from using my stomach muscles in this way? im not sure if its all in my head, but i feel like i can feel the procedure just coming undone....please help!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	It would be very unusual for you to have done any damage with &ldquo; straining on the first bowel movement&rdquo;;  it generally requires significant pressure to break the sutures typically used for muscle plication during tummy tuck surgery. Also, if any damage had been done you would likely know it....

	I would suggest follow-up with your plastic surgeon for much more reassuring examination.

	Best wishes with the remainder of your recovery.

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

I doubt that you have done any serious damage to your abdomen.  More likely, you are experiencing some pain in the abdominal wall from the straining, but it is unlikely that you tore the muscle plication.  I would recommend that you have your surgeon reevaluate you to ease your mind.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

While Potentially you could have damaged your tummy tuck repair, that is very unlikely. It would take either a sudden large force or a longer sustained force acting a a poor repair done on poor / weak tissues to cause a rip in the muscle repair. Relax. See your surgeon and he would reassure you.

Johan E. Brahme, MD · Answer

Rest assured, you have probably done no damage to the muscle tightening stitches that were placed during your surgery. These stitches are very strong and the likelihood of tearing them is very remote. Continue with your scheduled follow-ups and don't worry about having ruined your results. Good luck

Ralph R. Garramone, MD · Answer

I have never had a patient cause damage to the muscle repair or the skin closure for that matter after a tummy tuck.  That is not to say it cannot happen.  A number of stitches are used and I think you would have to strain pretty significantly in order to really damage the repair. 

	If you are concerned however, you should contact your plastic surgeon and be seen to see if there is any change in your exam.

	Thank you for your question and good luck.

Tummy Tuck Result Ruined from Straining on my First Bowel Movement in a Week?

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Tummy Tuck Result Ruined from Straining on my First Bowel Movement in a Week?

Answers (10)

Answer: Straining after tummy tuck

Answer: Straining after tummy tuck

Answer: Straining after tummy tuck

Answer: Straining after tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.