Suture Abscess--dig It out or Leave It Alone?

Most abdominoplasties are performed with the placement of many buried sutures.  The body disposes of these sutures over time by an inflammatory reaction.  Occasionally this may be intense and mimic a small localized infection (usually it is sterile, however).  The body will "push" the suture to the skin and expel it over time, call necessitating.

If the bump is not red and there is not visible suture extrusion, I would leave the area alone; the suture material should be broken down, and the bump will go awa. Many of the sutures used by plastic surgeons are absorbable. It is not uncommon for one's body to treat the suture like a foreign object (like a splinter), resulting in the suture material being pushed out through the skin. In those scenarios, removing suture material you can feel or see is ideal followed by topical treatment (soap and water, antibacterial ointments, et cetera). 

Hello. It is hard to say without at least seeing a photo. If it is an access you need to have it seen by your PS. But from your description it is not. This is one of the many buried sutures we use in a TT. Eventually, they should all be absorbed over time. Sometimes the body tries to expel them for many different reasons. Most of the time this is not a problem.You nurse gave you great advice. You can try to "gid it out' if the suture is visible. If its not, just keep it clean, use some antibiotic ointment on it and let your body do the rest.Best of luck,Dr. Miguel Mota

More than likely this will resolve on it's own. Occasionally dissolving sutures want to make their way to the skin's surface at which point it can be removed. The sutures are meant to dissolve, so it should correct itself over time. I would suggest following up with your surgeon so that they can evaluate the issue in person. Best of luck on your cosmetic surgery journey!

At this point, it’s probably best to let it be since you’re not experiencing any inflammation or irritation. With time, this suture may eventually work its way out on its own. If it starts to protrude, please contact your surgeon to have it removed (please don’t remove it on your own).

This is not an uncommon issue.  If it is a suture that is trying to work itself thru, it will do in time.  If the suture is palpable then I would go after it and try to remove it.  If you cant feel the suture then leaving it alone is the best solution.  With time the suture will dissolve and will not cause any further issues.The firm "pebbles" that may be felt under the incision may in fact just be some scar tissue formation around the deep sutures.  If that is the case, they will soften and disappear in time.  Massaging will help this come along faster.Hope that helps.