Spitting Stitch - Do I Have An Infection?

I can be scary when you have a problem and feel like there is nobody to see that can help you. In your case, from the photos it seems that you are having a simple stitch reaction. This is sometimes called a stitch abcess or a spitting stitch. If the small piece of stitch in the open area is removed the wound will heal without any further treatment, This is not an infection.

The bigger point to be made is the importance of having your surgeon nearby for these type of questions. Today a lot of patients choose to go abroad to save a few dollars. The problem with that is just what you have experienced - no follow up care. In your case it is a simple problem that can easily be handled. That is, if you can find a doctor willing to help you. You will likely have to pay a consultation fee to have this cared for as well. It may cost a few dollars more to stay in this country, but you will have the support and care of your doctor throughout the entire process including healing. If you have more serious issues that can be VERY important. For you the surgery is done, and you will eventually heal fine. For others that might be reading this, remember, going abroad can save a little bit of money in the beginning and cost a LOT more in the end.

I host a radio show called "New Reflections". In a couple of weeks we will be doing a show on plastic surgery disasters including some patients that travelled abroad. I invite you to listen in. See the link below.

I hope this info helps!

Thank you for your photos, to really make recommendations one would need a proper 
exam. You are
going through an active healing process that will take months to
complete. Most plastic surgeons put
specific sutures in certain tissues for a reason. In a breast
augmentation and mastopexy, most
usually close the tissue in layers to keep the tissue together and to
take tension off the wound. Deep layers are usually absorbable and the
skin sutures non absorbable that have to be taken out. Sometimes
sutures from the inside will spit out through the wound. If this is the
case you may have a little opening. This is usually OK, and will heal,
but you should be seen by a board certified plastic surgeon.  They will guide you through this.

It’s not unusual for absorbable sutures to work their way to
the surface of the wound.When this
happens, they frequently develop localized infection around the suture.This is known as a stitch abscess and is
easily treated with local wound care.This requires removal of the suture and dressing changes.In some cases, antibiotics will be necessary
as well. It’s
important that you consult your plastic surgeon.Your surgeon will develop a treatment plan
that addresses your problem.

Please find an experienced board certified plastic surgeon in your city. This needs to be examined for a better assessment, although it could be just a spitting stitch. 

This is one of the problems with medical tourism. It is difficult getting answers for open draining wound. First you need to contact your surgeon and fine out if this is due to permanent versus absorbable sutures?

This could just be a spitting suture that will resolve on its own. However, you are at risk of developing an infection right now. Therefore, I suggest you see a surgeon who you can trust to provide you with the right medical treatment to resolve this. The suture may be removed.

It is not uncommon for stitches to work their way out to the surface during the first few months of postoperative recovery. Judging by your photographs and your description it does not appear the you currently have an infection. Healing will not occur unless the retained suture is removed. After it is removed if you keep the wound clean you should have uneventful healing and not develop an infection You will need to see a surgeon who will remove the retained suture and provide you with wound care guidance. Good luck

It is not uncommon to have "stitch spitting."  You have a stitch abscess.  It is a localized reaction to the stitch as it comes out of your skin.  I would put some topical antibiotics (neosporin, triple antibiotics) on the affected area.  It should clear up pretty soon.  If it doesn't, you can go see a plastic surgeon in your area.  She/he will be able to address that.  

Thank you for your photos. It appears that you are having issues with a "spitting" stitch. The sutures which are underneath the skin are common absorbable. This means that through an inflammatory process, the suture will be dissolved over a period of weeks to months. In some instances, this inflammatory process to dissolve the suture causes the overlying skin to breakdown and the suture pops through. The suture itself can be clipped and this usually resolves the situation. I recommend making an appointment with a plastic surgeon in your area and they can help resolve this issue. Very rarely does this lead to a larger infection.

What you have is very common. The absorbable suture under the skin occasionally causes a local reaction as it's being dissolved and may spit out.  If any redness, pain, or drainage persists after several days, see your plastic surgeon.