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Can I Bathe w/ Reabsorbable Stitches Sticking Out?

asked 1 year ago by dharma iow
Latest answer by Mark Preston, MD
Question viewed 373 times
Tags: bathing, stitches

Apparently I can cut the ends off and then bath the day after. But that is easier said than done - there are quite a few ends and even if I do cut them there will still be a little bit left behind. What I don't understand is that I can put massage oil on the scar but yet I can't bath? The wound is closed by the way. My TT was done 23 days ago. Thanks for your help.

5 answers to Can I Bathe w/ Reabsorbable Stitches Sticking Out?

+3

Can I Bathe w/ Reabsorbable Stitches Sticking Out?

If you have dissolving sutures that were meant to be under the skin exposed I suggest removing them as they will be a source of infection and irritation to the scar. Showering is okay, but I would not suggest baths and I would not use a scar cream over these portions of the scar. Return to your surgeon for removal of the sutures if you aren't comfortable doing it.
Mark Preston, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+2

Go back to get the exposed stitches taken care of

Dear Dharma, My advice is to go back to have the sutures trimmed/removed. This way you wont have to worry how they are to be cut, and you can make sure that the stitches that are exposed are not something more important. On the other hand, if it is too far, or you find it hard to get back to see you PS, the stitches are usually trimmed at skin level by pulling on them, cutting flush to the skin, and then letting the ends retract back, when the stitch is released. You may not have the... more
Lawrence Tong, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon
+2

Can I Bathe w/ Reabsorbable Stitches Sticking Out?

If your plastic surgeon closed the incision with absorbable sutures  ,they usually fall out on their own .23 days after your surgery you should be fully healed if no complication occured,so showering and bathing should be OK.
Erel Laufer, M.D.

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bathing with sutures

There is usually a reason a physician advises a patient not to bathe 3 weeks after surgery. Since the wound is closed please check with your PS. Also, your PS or his staff may be able to remove those stiches for you.
Beverly Friedlander, MD

Short Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bathing with sutures still in place?

After 23 days, your incisions should be fully healed, assuming no wound healing issues.  I'm not sure why there are a lot of suture ends sticking out, especially if the sutures are absorbable. Are there sutures on the outside of the incision, or on the inside?  Call your surgeon's office to clarify your questions, as they will be able to give you advice that fits you exactly.
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

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