Is it normal to see internal stitches after a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

Five months out of tummy tuck and you can see the stitches all the way down from my sternum to my belly button. I don't believe these are dissolvable stitches. Will this get less noticeable over time or worse? I have a dr follow up appointment next month but just curious if this is common?

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, if the stitches are nonabsorbable you need to discuss with your surgeon and i am glad you are seeing him/her.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. The slight depression that your surgeon created between the sternum and belly button is known as the "champagne" line. This is done with dissolvable sutures and should get less noticeable, but it does give a more youthful and athletic look to your tummy tuck. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Good luck with healing.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to describing exactly what is causing the appearance down your abdominal wall midline.  My best guess: sutures placed between your abdominal wall flap and your abdominal wall fascia (progressive tension relieving sutures).  If this is the case, the appearance may improve if these sutures used our longer-term absorbable sutures. Best wishes.

James Clayton, MD (retired) · Answer

You may have visible stitches for a number of months after a tummy tuck and most of the time these blend in and go away.  It depends on what was done and it is best to visit with your surgeon to learn why you still have stitch visibility.  Treatment for this can usually be helped with injections or minimal suture release techniques.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Your surgeon is the best resource regarding your recovery.  Continue the follow up with your surgeon and discuss your concerns.

Is it normal to see internal stitches after a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Visible Stitches After Tummy Tuck

Answer: Visible Stitches After Tummy Tuck

Answer: Sutures

Answer: Sutures

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Is it normal to see internal stitches after a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Visible Stitches After Tummy Tuck

Answer: Visible Stitches After Tummy Tuck

Answer: Sutures

Answer: Sutures

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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