How Long Should I Leave my Dissolvable Stitch Alone?

Typically when plastic surgeons stitch up incisions, we stitch it up in at least 3 different layers. We use somewhat larger stitches for the deeper layers and smaller sutures for the more superficial layers. The stitches for the deep layer are usually deep enough where they don't get "spit" out by the body. The more superficial stitches are typically right under the surface of the skin and are within the layers of the skin which can be thin. As a result, it can be quite common that these stitches begin to make their way to the surface and will extrude. This is nothing to worry about but I do understand how someone may see that and get concerned. I can also understand that it may be uncomfortable and unsightly and one would like to have it removed if possible. I think you should make an appointment with your plastic surgeon, let him take a look at it, and then request that if he thinks no harm will come from removing the stitches that they be removed. I follow up with my patients pretty frequently after their surgery and if I see a stitch make its way to the surface I will remove it and then have them place a small amount of antibiotic ointment on the little hole until it heals. I would advise that you not remove them yourself but if you decide to do so then just make sure everything you use is very clean and sterile and that you clean the area before removing the stitch. I hope this helps alleviate some of your concerns and I hope you are able to get this situation resolved. Ankur Mehta MD

Spitting dissolvable sutures can occur with the tummy tuck.  Typically, we cut them out since the wound will not heal if they are left in place.  It is best for the plastic surgeon to remove them, since the knot needs to be cut.  Trimming the ends will not be enough.

If something like this occurs after your surgery, the best person to contact is your surgeon as he might have used different types of stitches during the procedure. Another important point is that dissolvable stitches can have a variable amount of time before they dissolve- it can take between one week and six months. If it does irritate you, it might need to be removed immediately. But I have explained initially I would consult any actions with your surgeon first.

After a tummy tuck procedure, there are stitches in multiple layers and all stitches are dissolvable. They are all inside the skin and they do not need removal. The wounds take 2-3 weeks to heal and then you should start looking after the scars.

It sounds like you are spitting a few absorbable sutures. It is not uncommon for a few superficial sutures to come to the surface and poke out near an incision. Generally, they pose no risk, but they can be annoying. Sometimes, they will lead to a small localized infection. The suture material will usually dissolve after several weeks, but the spitting sutures can also be easily removed by your surgeon if they are bothering you. 

Hi there,
What you experienced is very common post tummy tuck surgery and it's simply a stitch sinus where the dissolvable stitch didn't get dissolved in time and make its way up and poke through the skin. Sometimes they may cause some irritation or inflammation, similar to a pimple. It'll be best to leave it alone and it will resolve with time or trim the end of the stitch close to the skin. 
Obviously if there is any signifiant degree of excessive redness, tenderness or even purulent discharge, you should contact your surgeon immediately for a timely assessment to rule out any early signs of deep infection.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes
Ellis Choy