Still Spitting Stitches 7 Mths Post-op TT, is this Normal? (photo)

If only dissolving sutures are used, by 7 months they would all be long gone--any spots like this would be due to an ingrown hair or infected cyst, both of which can occur along scars.

However, many plastic surgeons (myself included) use permanent sutures as part of the muscle plication. Braided sutures can become infected somewhat more easily than monofilament sutures, but braided sutures can allow tissue ingrowth for a more durable internal scar. Thus, there is no right or wrong, only surgeon preference based on individual patient needs and tissue characteristics. But this problem is why I prefer monofilament permanent sutures for the muscle repair; when stitch 'spitting" occurs, it is almost always with braided permanent sutures. The same even applies to dissolving skin stitches--braided sutures have a much higher likelihood for "suture reaction" (actually stitch abscess) than monofilament.

Unfortunately, once one "permanent" (non-dissolving) suture becomes contaminated by bacteria, others nearby can also have the same issue, and neither the bacteria nor your body "wins" the battle against each other until the suture is removed. Sometimes the offending suture is removed and all is well until an adjacent suture becomes a "new" problem. The treatment is the same--removal eliminates the source, and your body quickly heals the area, usually with little additional scarring. But until it is removed, the contaminated stitch can indeed take several months to cause a tract to the skin surface

The rest of your suture line looks great, and I see no other areas of redness or irritation similar to the one in the center just above your pubic area. Once the stitch is completely removed (either no or local anesthesia), the problem is usually solved without any additional antibiotic therapy, though this may be something your surgeon will add if needed. It should heal in several weeks either way, and the redness and blister-like swelling will resolve. See your surgeon as planned and be reassured. Best wishes!

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 may be necessary as well.It’s
important that you consult your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to
formulate a treatment plan that addresses your concerns.Unfortunately, this problem can still occur
several months after surgery.

This issue can occur over a few months to years depending upon WHICH type of suture material was used. Check with the operative surgeon and tell us the answers.