I had a tummy tuck with muscle repair 2-1/2 weeks ago I slipped and fell flat on my back. I felt a pull in my abdomen. Could I have harmed my muscle repair or busted internal sutures?
December 30, 2016
Answer: Speak With Your Surgeon if Concerned About Disruption of Internal Sutures Abdominoplasty not only removes excess skin, but also tightens the underlying abdominal wall muscles. These muscles can be weakened, stretched, and torn during pregnancy. This can result in the characteristic protuberant abdomen that is commonly seen following pregnancy. Abdominoplasty tightens these muscles in a side to side manner which results in a flatter abdomen. Most surgeons use a continuous suture for this closure, but in some cases individual sutures may be used instead. These sutures maintain the structural integrity of the abdominal wall until the wound has regained adequate strength. This usually occurs in about 6 to 8 weeks. At this point, these structural sutures have served their purpose. When trauma of any type occurs during the initial phases of wound healing, disruption of these sutures can result in a recurrence of the original problem. Under these circumstances a flat abdominal wall may suddenly bulge in an outward direction. If you’re concerned about disruption of your internal sutures, consultation with your plastic surgeon is appropriate. Your surgeon should be able to evaluate your abdominal wall and determine whether or not a disruption of your closure has occurred.
Helpful 4 people found this helpful
December 30, 2016
Answer: Speak With Your Surgeon if Concerned About Disruption of Internal Sutures Abdominoplasty not only removes excess skin, but also tightens the underlying abdominal wall muscles. These muscles can be weakened, stretched, and torn during pregnancy. This can result in the characteristic protuberant abdomen that is commonly seen following pregnancy. Abdominoplasty tightens these muscles in a side to side manner which results in a flatter abdomen. Most surgeons use a continuous suture for this closure, but in some cases individual sutures may be used instead. These sutures maintain the structural integrity of the abdominal wall until the wound has regained adequate strength. This usually occurs in about 6 to 8 weeks. At this point, these structural sutures have served their purpose. When trauma of any type occurs during the initial phases of wound healing, disruption of these sutures can result in a recurrence of the original problem. Under these circumstances a flat abdominal wall may suddenly bulge in an outward direction. If you’re concerned about disruption of your internal sutures, consultation with your plastic surgeon is appropriate. Your surgeon should be able to evaluate your abdominal wall and determine whether or not a disruption of your closure has occurred.
Helpful 4 people found this helpful
December 18, 2014
Answer: How Can I Tell if I Tore my Tummy Tuck Internal Sutures or Worse?
Even though the muscle layer is repaired with two sets of sutures internally, a sudden strain or abrupt movement might tear the sutures in the first few weeks after surgery. This problem would be diagnosed with a sharp pain in the torn area possibly accompanied by a bulge in that area. It is very important to protect the muscle repair for several weeks following surgery.
Helpful
December 18, 2014
Answer: How Can I Tell if I Tore my Tummy Tuck Internal Sutures or Worse?
Even though the muscle layer is repaired with two sets of sutures internally, a sudden strain or abrupt movement might tear the sutures in the first few weeks after surgery. This problem would be diagnosed with a sharp pain in the torn area possibly accompanied by a bulge in that area. It is very important to protect the muscle repair for several weeks following surgery.
Helpful