Is there a way of reversing the muscle suture after tummy tuck?

Question

I had a tummy tuck in May of 2012. Prior to surgery my abdomen would sink into my body when sucking in my belly. Since my surgery it hasn't. When i crunch up, instead of having two rows of abs I have a long muscle down the center of my abdomen that looks like an ear of corn under my skin. My guess is that this is due to the muscles being tied together. Would you find that to be a true cause? Is there any way of reversing the muscle suture to allow my muscles to contract inward like they used to?

Christopher Khorsandi, MD · Answer

It is theoretically possible to go in and release the sutures.  The abdominal plication can indeed make the abs look like one single row.  I have not had to correct an abdominal plication that was not satisfactory to the patient but i can't see why this wouldn't be possible.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

Your ability to suck your stomach in pre op means your muscles were "loose" and I assume also would bulge out when you were not sucking in. This muscle repair fixed this and I assume gave you a flat stomach. I am not sure what is causing the odd "rows" look. However you are fully healed and the scar inside will not let you reverse the repair. Discuss all your issues with your surgeon. Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

It is hard to know whether the findings you describe are related to the muscle plication or not. However, at this point, there is no simple way to reverse the muscle plication. At this point, scar tissue has formed;  the muscle re approximation is no longer dependent on sutures utilized during the tummy tuck operation. Follow up with your plastic surgeon for in person evaluation if you have concerns. Best wishes.

John Dean, MD · Answer

It does sound like the muscle plication suture that was used in your tummy tuck is causing the changes that you describe.  At this point, the muscle sheath will be densely scarred together and it would be extremely difficult and possibly dangerous  to try to reverse this plication.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Sounds like you are having some trouble with your abdominal muscles after a tummy tuck. Please see link below for examples and to get your cheat sheet on "7 keys to a great tummy tuck".

Is there a way of reversing the muscle suture after tummy tuck?

Answers (5)

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