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Styptic Pencil on a Small Opening on my Tummy Tuck Incision?

I am 7 weeks post-op and have an occasional small spot appear and bleed a little on my tummy tuck incision. This has happened 3 times now and each time it is not larger than the head of a pencil eraser. Is there any harm in using a styptic pencil on the small spot to help it clot and heal more quickly? I know everyone will say ask my PS however I wanted the opinion of those on this site please.

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by MaleTucker in Iowa

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These are tiny stitch abscesses; styptic pencil not advised.

At this point in your recovery, what you are describing are almost certainly tiny suture abscesses from dissolving sutures. Partially-dissolved stitches may have tiny protruding "tails" that can poke through the skin in a few spots (that's why this doesn't occur in every stich location), or perhaps become bacterially-contaminated from hair follicles or sweat glands in the skin through which the suture was passed. This can happen with any incision suture line in virtually any site on the... more

Opening on tummy tuck incision

A small hole in a tummy tuck incision could be as simple as a suture spitting to something more severe. Best to really see your surgeon to be properly evaluated.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Small opening on tummy tuck incison

A small opening on a tummy tuck incision that keeps appearing 7 weeks post op should be examined to determine the underlying cause such as an irritated suture. If that is the case. 2 minutes in the office with your plastic surgeon will solve everything.

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Styptic Pencil on a Small Opening on my Tummy Tuck Incision

Chances are if this keeps recurring that there is a foreign body--usually a suture knot that is the cause, and this will keep coming back until the suture is removed or until it dissolves. Thanks for your question, all the best.

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