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Tummy Tuck
Have I Compromised My Muscle Repair?
Abdominoplasty involves "plicating" the rectus muscles with suture and is a regular part of the procedure as performed in my San Francisco area practice. This repair is typically most vulnerable at week 2 after your surgery.
This is because the normal healing process can actually make the tissues the suture passes through more weak for a period as scar tissue deposits. People are also generally feeling better and becoming more active at this point.
Most surgeons would not choose a suture that would dissolve as quickly as 5 weeks so the sensations you felt were probably not that. If you haven't noticed a difference in profile you probably have not compromised the repair. (Though it is possible a suture has ruptured).
As always - because the surgeon that performed your surgery understands better than any of us what was done - it is important to follow-up with your doctor if you have post-op questions.
Clinical Context
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and repairs separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), which commonly occurs after pregnancy or significant weight loss. The procedure involves an incision from hip to hip, typically placed low enough to be hidden by underwear or a bikini.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic procedure.
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