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

asked 6 months ago by mauimommy808 in Hawaii
Latest answer by Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Question viewed 688 times
Tags: female, 7 months post-op, dissolve, stitches

I have a small spot on my scar that is still spitting stitches/disolvable staples 7 mths out. I've had multiple ones removed and the spot is sore/tender. A stitch that was shaped like a loop and attached to some part inside me came out the top of the hole but isnt sliding out it is wrapped around a muscle or chunk of tissue. it almost looks like a blister with a stitch looped through it. I have an appt with my surgeon tomorrow so he can check. Is this rare to still have spitting this late?

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

Sutures after abdominoplasty

Sutures can be permanent or absorb able either way.. if they continues to cause a problem they should be removed

Jed H. Horowitz, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Spitting Sutures 7 Months after Surgery

Although not common, once in a while, a suture may work its way out. Most patients heal fine after the suture is removed.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Suture "spitting" 7 months after tummy tuck--remove it and all will be fine.

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... more

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

"Spitting" Stitches 7 Mths Post-op TT

We often have to use non-dissolving stitches to keep structures from moving and scars from widening. Unfortunately, while these stitches are great in keeping scars from widening and elevated thighs from sliding lower, once bacteria colonize them, the body pushes the stitch out. Your wound (smooth, round, like a punched out hole) is typical of a chronic wound. Complete removal of the stitch would result in rapid wound healing in a few weeks with a reasonable scars. Good Luck with your... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Stitch Spitting after Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. What you are experiencing does occur occasionally after tummy tuck surgery. Usually, it is related to the permanent sutures used for muscle plication. If these sutures continue to be problematic they may need to be removed before the wound healing problems cease to occur. I have seen this in a few patients; the wound healing problems around the umbilicus is a classic finding. Continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes. more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

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

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.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Very Common Problem

A tummy tuck procedure places many sutures in at various level and many of them dissolve As they melt away they may cause a reaction the suture area open up and discharge the suture. The will heal the area. see video

Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

Spitting suture

7 months is getting the long side of normal for sutures to be causing problems. If the suture is very superficial, usually warm compresses can work that suture out. If not, I recommend excision of that problem area.

Tito Vasquez, MD
Southport Plastic Surgeon

Spitting sutures

Spitting sutures 7 months after surgery is certainly uncommon but not unheard of, cause may include: retained suture material (absorbable suture that has not been completely dissolved permanent suture material suture granuloma - inflammatory tissue that has formed as a reaction to the suture material ingrown hair sebaceous cyst if removal of the foreign material (suture) has not resolved the problem, you may need a scar revision to address the underlying... more

Sean A. Simon, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Spitting suture

What you are describing is a finding that can happen with non-dissolving sutures. Because it is located in the midline, I suspect that the suture you are seeing is the one used to plicate (repair) your rectus diastaisis. Once these sutures are involved with bacteria (colonized) the issue won't typically resolve until the definitive suture is removed. Regardless of how the suture became colonized, your experiencing an easily correctable issue. Best of luck. more