Symptoms of Torn Internal Stitches After Tummy Tuck
One of the most common and painful complications after surgery is the torn internal stitches in the abdomen (tummy tuck). A torn internal stitch is a surgical complication that discolors or feels lumpy. This results from a gap in the incision where the tissue has detached from itself. In this article, We will explain common symptoms of torn internal stitches after a tummy tuck, which can be an indication that you need some medical assistance.
What is a Tummy tuck?
The tummy tuck is a surgical procedure to improve general body shape and appearance by losing fats through a surgical procedure. In this age of fashion outlook and body shaming, everyone wants their body to look in good shape. This is where surgical procedures like tummy tuck kicks in. Actually, 95% of females that had gone through this procedure label this as worth every penny. Feelings of light weightiness and losing pregnancy weight are correlated with the after-effects of a tummy tuck. There might be slight discomfort in the first few weeks of the surgery and mild complications might also happen but with every procedure like this comes complications that can be avoided with mindful follow-ups.
Other procedures to gain shape include B12 injections for weight loss, a protein diet, exercise routines, and proper body training.
What causes torn internal stitches?
Internal stitches are small, round pieces of fabric that are placed in the wound to close it up. Torn internal stitches happen when the wound starts to heal on its own and pulls on one of the internal stitches. It’s not uncommon for internal stitches to get pulled out of the wound during surgery (the doctor will try to put it back in) or if a patient has an active infection at home that makes their body stronger and more able to pull on their wounds as they heal.
Understanding the potential causes of torn internal stitches can help you take preventive measures and make informed decisions before and after the tummy tuck procedure.
- Excessive Strain: Engaging in strenuous physical activities too soon after the tummy tuck can put excessive strain on the stitches, leading to tearing.
- Poor Suturing Technique: The skill and technique of the surgeon performing the tummy tuck play a crucial role in the strength and durability of the stitches. Inadequate suturing can increase the risk of tearing.
- Infection: Infections can weaken the tissues surrounding the stitches, making them more susceptible to tearing.
- Premature Scar Tissue Breakdown: Scar tissue forms as part of the healing process after a tummy tuck. If this scar tissue breaks down prematurely, it can compromise the integrity of the stitches.
- Unforeseen Trauma: Accidental trauma to the abdomen, such as a fall or impact, can lead to torn internal stitches.
Symptoms of Torn Internal Stitches After Tummy Tuck
One of the biggest concerns patients have when getting the vaginal lift procedure or a tummy tuck is the risk of tearing internal stitches. After a couple of weeks, this risk decreases to 4% but until then, it’s best to know about symptoms of torn internal stitches after tummy tuck surgery.
01. Pain
Pain is one of the common symptoms of torn internal stitches after tummy tuck surgery. The pain may be sharp or dull, shooting or aching, and it may be located in the area where the incision was made or in areas further away from the incision.
Pain is usually worse when you move your body in any way, such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing. It may also worsen with exercise, such as running or jumping. Contact your surgeon for a proper checkup and pain-relieving medications for postoperative pain management.
02. Swelling
Swelling can occur from the skin to muscles, tendons, and nerves. It is caused by the formation of fluid in the tissues around the incision. This swelling can be painful, especially when it occurs over bony areas.
The swelling affects your body’s ability to function normally. Some patients may experience pain or discomfort as a result of this type of swelling. The symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on how much tissue is involved and how deep it goes into your body. Swelling that occurs under your skin will be more noticeable than swelling that occurs in other areas of your body. If you have any questions about symptoms after surgery, talk with your doctor or nurse before going home so they can help you understand what you are experiencing.
03. Skin Irregularities
The most common symptoms of torn internal stitches after a tummy tuck are skin irregularities, including loose skin and atrophic scars. These problems can occur because the muscles and skin may be stretched too far in the initial surgery.
04. Fluid Collection
Fluid collection is a common complication after abdominal surgery. It occurs when excess fluid builds up in the abdomen and causes swelling. This swelling can occur anywhere along the body, but it most commonly occurs in the abdomen and other areas near the surgical incision.
The symptoms of fluid collection may be mild or severe. A mild symptom is when you have a little bit of swelling that goes away on its own within a few days. Severe symptoms are more extreme, including pain or tenderness, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. It may be difficult to differentiate between a minor infection and fluid collection because they often occur together. If you develop severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately to prevent further complications from developing.
05. Redness of Skin
The most common symptom of torn internal stitches after tuck is redness of the skin. The skin will be red, inflamed, and sometimes itchy. This is due to irritation in the area where the internal stitches are located. You should also try to avoid rubbing or picking at the wound. This could make things worse rather than better by irritating the wound even more.
06. Discomfort
Discomfort is also one of the most common symptoms of torn internal stitches after tummy tuck surgery. The stitches are usually located on the abdominal wall, but they can also be found in other locations, depending on how the abdomen was stitched during surgery. Pain and tenderness are the most common symptoms of internal stitches that have been torn or partially removed.
07. Fever and Chills
If you experience fever and chills alongside the other symptoms, it could be a sign of infection related to torn stitches.
Other symptoms include: Nausea and vomiting, Bloating, Vomiting blood, or blood clots
Treatment
Torn internal stitches might be a result of tummy tuck muscle repair failure. To treat tissue that has been torn by the sutures used during tummy tuck surgery, your surgeon will stitch it back together in layers. In most cases, only one layer needs to be stitched back together. However, if there are multiple layers that have been torn apart then additional layers may need to be added to reconnect them all.
Conclusion
Every surgery carries risk, and with any type of abdominal surgery, it is normal to have concerns about possible complications. Those with a tummy tuck are no different and probably have more concerns than many other types of surgeries. Unfortunately, there are some potential complications that can occur after a tummy tuck that might not be so easy to identify from the onset of symptoms. For this reason, it is important that potential patients, doctors, and even surgeons understand the importance of recognizing key problem areas after a tummy tuck.
