I had a tummy tuck procedure done exactly one year ago. Amazing results. This past week I noticed a bulge above my belly button followed by a sharp pain in my left side and then a VERY swollen abdomen. I followed up with my surgeon and learned that my internal sutures had came out... Do i trust the same doctor to do the revision? Is this common? Should I pay almost as much as I did a year ago?
During a tummy tuck, the abdominal wall that has stretched with pregnancy or weight gain is tightened up with sutures from the upper ribcage down to the pubic bone. Occasionally, those sutures can "give way" due to increased intraabdominal pressure like heavy coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects. It can happen to the best of surgeons. If you have gained weight since your surgery, you should try to get your weight down prior to re-operation. Most surgeons will provide a secondary repair at a reduced fee, but they often have no control over anesthesia or operating room fees. I'm sure your surgeon will try to get you the "best deal" possible, as we all want our patients to get to a happy outcome. Good luck!
Paying again depends on whether your problem is one related to your procedure or if just bad luck... and I've not heard of sutures or repairs coming apart a year following plication so it would be interesting to know what the real cause of your symptoms are. Only an exam can tell and maybe a scan may also be needed. Regardless, at minimum, you will have feels for the OR and anesthesia.
I’m sorry to hear of your difficulties. At a year it is surprising to hear of your sutures giving way but the only treatment option would be to redo the procedure. Costs will depend on each office and I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Hope this helps.