19 months after tummy tuck I’m severely constipated. Could my intestine be kinked, twisted during surgery so stools can’t pass?

Tummy tucks do not affect your internal organs or bowels, although constipation can occur which can be related to anesthesia and pain medications. Your plastic surgeon can recommend things that may help with your constipation.

Dear mstlj,it is unlikely that your symptoms are caused by previous tummy tuck surgery. During tummy tuck your surgeon only removed loose skin and repaired muscle separation, he did't touch your intestines. I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The change in bowel movements may suggest something else unrelated to a tummy tuck.  If there has been previous abdominal or pelvic surgery or hernia repair was a part of the tummy tuck, there may be another dynamic other than nerve regeneration.  I would return to the plastic surgeon if concerns persist or worsen as the plastic surgeon can recommend something as simple as an OTC medication or high fiber diet for relief.

Though some patients experience constipation right after surgery due to medication and decreased activity, the symptoms typically resolve within a few days. The tummy tuck surgery does not enter the abdominal cavity and therefore would not lead to a twisted intestine. I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your primary care physician who may advise you to see a GI specialist.

so you should be checked by your primary care physician and possibly a gastroenterologist as it sounds like you're doing everything you can to minimize your symptoms.

Hi darling, thank you for your question.So sorry for what you've been through thus far, however this issue is probably not a consequence of the surgery as it is pretty hard to actually affect that area during the procedure. The part that is worked during the surgery is the abdominal wall where these issues are not held. Usually constipations are side effects of certain medications used during and after the operation but 19 months are more than enough for these effects to be over. I suggest consulting your PS for further assessment or a specialist of this issue to get more information.Hope this helps,Dr. Jimenez Toribio Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

many thanks for your question and I am sorry to hear you issues with constipation.
It is highly unlikely that your tummy tuck 19 months ago has caused these symptoms. It is true that after surgery where you may be a little dehydrated, immobile and taking opiod analgesics, this triad of factors can cause constipation, however this is not applicable this far down the line after your surgery.
Unless you had a hernia repair (not rectus muscle divarication repair) at the time of the tummy tuck I can see no reason for your constipation as the TT surgery is all above the muscles and outside of the intra-abdominal cavity where your intestines are situated. Have you ever had previous bowel/gynaecological/internal organ surgery in the past that may explain your symptoms through something as simple as adhesions?
I would advise not only that you go and see your Plastic surgeon for a review, but that you also go and see your family Doctor for opinion and, if necessary, referral on to a gastroenterologist or general surgeon for further investigation. It would be very helpful for you to keep a food diary and a diary of all your bowel movements over a period of weeks to help see if there is a pattern or possible causative food source.
I wish you well.
Marcus

The number one reason patients get constipated after surgery is due to narcotic pain medication to which some patients are extremely sensitive . Obviously at 19 months after surgery this should not be an issue. To address your basic question however it would also be extremely unlikely that any harm to your intra abdominal area was done with a tummy tuck as this is a much more superficial operation. You need a proper evaluation by a competent gastro-enterologist to figure out was is going on.

At this point, 19 months after tummy tuck surgery,  I do not think that your constipation has anything to do with previous tummy tuck surgery.   Remember that tummy tuck surgery involves structures superficial to the abdominal wall muscles; there is no "involvement" of the gastrointestinal tract itself. I would suggest that you see your primary care physician and possibly a gastrointestinal specialist ASAP.   Best wishes.

Generally a tummy tuck would not alter the internal anatomy of the inner abdomen so as to cause adhesions or bowel obstruction.  Metamucil, pear nectar, prunes, high fiber can all be helpful for constipation.  Your plastic surgeon will be the best guide to determine if there may be any cause of constipation (plication from the surgery which would be unusual, or use of opioids) that could be improved.  The plastic surgeon can perform a history physical exam and determine the best course of action.