Making the decision to undergo a tummy tuck is certainly an important step, right? And as in any intervention, there is a recovery time that is essential. One of the things that most concern my patients is usually what happens to those sutures that are left inside, those that are key for everything to be well attached and for the final result that you want so much. Understanding what they do and what could happen is vital for your recovery to go smoothly.
You see, abdominoplasty, in essence, is to remove the excess skin and fat in the abdomen, and almost always, to fix those abdominal muscles that have become a little “loose” or separated, what we call diastasis. For this internal muscle reinforcement, we use sutures; think of it as a corset on the inside, which helps you to have a flatter abdomen and to better mark the figure. These sutures are truly a mainstay of recovery, keeping the muscles in their new place while the tissues heal and gain strength.
What is the function of the internal points and why can they be released?
During an abdominoplasty, the internal sutures serve a dual key function: they correct rectus diastasis (the separation of the abdominal muscles after pregnancy or weight loss) and help define the waist by supporting the trunk. They are the core of muscle repair.
Although they are designed to be durable, there is a small chance of them coming loose. This is called internal suture dehiscence. The most common causes are usually sudden exertion: heavy lifting, forceful coughing or premature abdominal crunches. Complications such as infections, seromas or hematomas, which alter the tension in the tissues, can also play a role.
Other risk factors are poor tissue quality, smoking or any situation that negatively affects healing. This is why it is so important to strictly follow the postoperative indications. Care after surgery is crucial to avoid problems with internal stitches.
How do I know if the internal stitches have been loosened?
Early detection of dehiscence is key. Some warning signs are unusual or abruptly increasing pain, the appearance of swelling or a lump in the operated area, or an internal pulling or tearing sensation on exertion.
There may also be visible changes in the shape of the abdomen, such as asymmetries or new bulges. All of these could indicate that the sutures have lost their attachment.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, do not try to guess what is happening or play it down: it is best to contact your surgeon immediately. It is better to have a check-up in time than to risk your recovery.
For accurate information on the financial investment involved in abdominoplasty, including a price comparison in Spain and international options, please see our detailed article.
How to prevent complications in recovery?
The best way to prevent the stitches from coming loose is to follow medical indications to the letter. Rest in the first few days is essential to ensure good healing. Avoid any abdominal effort: do not lift weights or make sudden movements.
If you need to cough or sneeze, hold your abdomen gently with your hands to protect the operated area. This simple gesture helps a lot. It is also vital to wear the abdominal binder, as it provides support, reduces swelling and protects the internal sutures.
When you start to move, do it slowly and with help if you need it. To get out of bed, the ideal is to turn on your side and use your arms to propel yourself, avoiding pressure on your abdomen.
And very important: do not resume physical activity without medical clearance, especially abdominal exercises. Full recovery can take weeks or even months, and rushing only increases the risk of complications.
What to do if a complication is suspected?
If, for whatever reason, you begin to suspect that something may have happened to your internal stitches, or you notice any of those warning signs we were talking about before, the first, the most urgent thing to do is to contact your plastic surgeon. We are the only ones who can really assess what is happening.
It is very possible that we will need to do a thorough physical examination and, depending on what we see, perhaps order some imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or an MRI. This allows us to see inside how the sutures and tissues are and to be reassured or to take measures.
The treatment to follow, if it is confirmed that there has been a dehiscence (that the stitches have come loose, come on), will depend a lot on how much of a problem it is. If it is a minor problem, perhaps more rest, continuing to use the girdle and close follow-up will be enough. But if it is more important, it may be necessary to go back to the operating room to fix those stitches that have given way. Therefore, catching the problem early is key, so the fix is usually less complicated.
To better understand the post-abdominoplasty recovery phase and resolve questions about abdominal volume persistence, please access our article that addresses this common concern.
Visit And Medcare: your trusted clinic in Istanbul
Choosing the right clinic where you are going to have surgery, one with experience and that really cares about you as a patient, is essential for you to feel at ease and for your abdominoplasty to be a success. Here at Visit And Medcare, we understand the importance of each phase of this journey, from planning the surgery to the sometimes delicate postoperative period.
We have a highly trained team of professionals here in Istanbul, and we are dedicated to offering you a close, personalized follow-up. We make sure that you are very clear about all the guidelines so that your recovery is safe, without scares. We are always available for any questions or concerns you may have, including concerns about internal stitches.
Our facilities are modern, equipped with the latest technology, because your safety and well-being come first. At Visit And Medcare, we not only look for results that you like, but that are safe, and we strive to exceed your expectations, accompanying you and giving you all the support you need during the recovery process.
Deepen your knowledge about the combination of abdominoplasty and liposculpture. Our complete guide will provide you with essential information about these complementary procedures for body contouring.
Conclusion
Although it is possible for internal stitches to come loose after abdominoplasty, it is rare if the postoperative indications are followed. These sutures are key to a good cosmetic and functional result. Being informed, recognizing warning signs and maintaining good communication with the medical team is essential. Prioritize your recovery, respect your body’s time and trust experienced professionals.
Choosing a specialized clinic like Visit And Medcare, which offers close follow-up and humane treatment, makes the difference. Your well-being and results depend, to a large extent, on their commitment and the right medical support.
