Pain from Muscle Repair Stitch After Tummy Tuck

Question

I have a sore spot on the left side of my belly button that has been sore for a few days. I am six weeks post Tummy Tuck. It burns sometimes, and stays sore a lot. The nurse said it was a stitch from my muscle repair and will stop hurting in time. How long will it take before the pain resolves?  It is the only real pain I have from any of this, with the exception of minor swelling. I was just wondering how long I might expect to feel it.

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.
There can be several things that contribute to abdominoplasty pain.
In the immediate post-op period the incision itself can cause some pain.  This can be controlled by injection of local numbing medication, pain pumps and post-op pain medication.
The typical more lasting pain (usually for about 1 - 3 months) can be the muscle plication.  Part of an abdominoplasty includes tightening of the muscle.  This involves large permanent sutures into the muscle and the fascia (the strong tissue attached to the muscle).
There are several nerves near the inferior portion of the abdomen that can be caught with suture or cut when performing an abdominoplasty that can cause chronic pain.  It is unlikely from your description that these nerves were injured.
You can try massage to improve the pain.  If the pain is focal and reproducible you may discuss steroid injection into the area to try to calm irritated nerves.
I hope this helps.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for reaching out with your question about experiencing pain from rectus muscle repair following a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). It's not uncommon to feel discomfort or pain related to the sutures used in the procedure.
During a tummy tuck, an incision is made in the abdomen, and the tissue is dissected up to the belly button and lower rib cage. The rectus abdominis muscle, which is a paired muscle extending from the lower rib cage to the pubic symphysis, is then identified for repair. This repair is often achieved using permanent sutures, which are placed from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis, sometimes in two layers. Since these sutures are permanent, they do not dissolve over time.
The sensation you're feeling is likely due to the presence of these permanent sutures within the muscle. Typically, the discomfort associated with these sutures subsides within 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery. It is relatively rare for any intervention to be required for suture-related pain.
In most cases, giving your body time to heal and adjust to the changes made during surgery is the best course of action. The pain from rectus muscle plication due to the sutures should resolve on its own as the healing process continues.
However, if the pain persists or is particularly bothersome, I recommend following up with your plastic surgeon. They can assess your specific situation and provide guidance or intervention if necessary.
I hope this information is helpful and provides some reassurance regarding your post-surgical experience. Wishing you a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Good luck.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The pain that you describe is most likely secondary to a
deep stitch in the muscle repair. This type of stitch can occasionally cause a
burning sensation that’s made worse by movement. This type of pain usually
resolves with the passage of time. In the short term, Ibuprofen helps alleviate
pain and also decreases inflammation in the area.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

New pain in an area of the central abdomen is quite common as the nerves recover and your actiivity increases. Keep in close contact with your surgeon to ensure that this is not a sign of a more serious condition but in all likelihood, it will resolve with time (approximately 3-6 weeks).

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there,
The pain you are describing is difficult to diagnose without knowing the technique used and performing an exam, and so we should go with your doctor's assessment.
It is not uncommon with Tummy Tuck surgery to have pain with certain movements, or tenderness over certain areas of the muscle repair for several months after surgery. Over time, as the internal scar tissue matures, this will resolve.
Congratulations on your new form!

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