How do I tell if I popped a stitch? What should I do about this?

Question

I am almost 4 weeks out from tummy tuck (fleur de lis incision) and muscle repair. I have heard a few soft popping sounds, once while massaging the area. How would I know if I popped a stitch and what should I do? I have a slight bulge below the belly button which is where one of the times happened..

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

Closures of abdominoplasties are performed with many layers. This is particularly so in the fleur de lis approach. It is possible that something might have broken. Hopefully these are not the plication stitches that hold the abdominal wall fascia together. If you have a new bulge, talk to your doctor. Repair might be needed. If it's a superficial fascia disruption, it seldom requires attention. Those repair themselves. Best of luck. We plastic surgeons actually want to hear from you.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Depending on how hard you were massaging the area, it would be very difficult for you to pop a properly placed stitch.  This early after surgery it is very difficult to determine whether bulge are just swelling.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

I'd recommend contacting your surgeon if you are worried that something may have changed with your muscle repair.  They would need to do a physical examination.

Ryan T. M. Mitchell, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

It is always best to seek consultation with your surgeon if you have concerns after a procedure. They will have all the necessary information to answer your questions appropriately. All the best!

Andrew M. Lofman, MD, FACS · Answer

The only way to tell if something has happened to the muscle repair is for you plastic surgeon to carefully examine you. Remember, there are many stitches used for the repair of a rictus diastasis. The release of one or two does not always mean that the repair is lost.

How do I tell if I popped a stitch? What should I do about this?

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