Painful nodule under skin between my abdominal muscles

Question

Hi, I have a small painful nodule which feels like an internal suture at the top of my abdomen after muscle repair. What could it be and how can i get it removed if its a permanent suture used to fix my diastasis during abdominoplasty? It feels like a stitch is protuding from under my skin, like a small nodule.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing pain and discomfort. Based on your description, I think you're right. It's possible that the nodule could be an internal suture used to repair your diastasis during your abdominoplasty. These types of sutures are commonly used during the procedure to tighten the abdominal muscles and create a flatter, more toned appearance.

If the suture is causing discomfort or pain, it may be possible to have it removed. However, it's important to have a thorough evaluation by a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best course of action. In some cases, the suture may dissolve on its own over time, but if it's a permanent suture, it may need to be removed surgically.

It's important to note that the recovery process from any surgical procedure can vary from person to person, and it's not uncommon to experience some discomfort or complications during the healing process. It's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's post-operative instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a safe and successful recovery.

Thank you for reaching out, and I hope this information was helpful. I wish you the best of luck in your recovery.

Sincerely, 
Dr. Katzen.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

From the information you’ve provided, it does sound like a suture. However, to make sure please see your surgeon for an assessment. If it is a suture, it would need to be removed.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear hayaalmsaddi,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If there is a suture nodule at the top of the abdomen it will require a surgical incision to access it and excise it.  I encourage you to return to your surgeon for an evaluation of the area and to determine the best approach to address it.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

Based on you description this is a suture. The only way to correct this is removal.

That is why I place all my permanent suture knots at the bellybutton or low where, if necessary, it can be easily removed with no extra scar.

Good luck.

Praful Ramineni, MD · Answer

If the nodule is a permanent suture knot, then the only way to remove it is surgical incision.  Depending on the location, this may be able to be removed through your periumbilical scar.  If it is higher up, then the only ways to remove it would be small incision over the knot, or to reopen the whole incision to gain access (although this is much more extensive and probably not worth the recovery).

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Most plastic surgeons use fairly thick substantial permanent sutures for diastaces rect dy repair and there is often and not with suture ends sticking out at the beginning and end of the repair and sometimes around the belly button.

Some plastic surgeons cut the suture on their knots close while others leave a tail.

On most patients there’s enough subtitanious fat that these are a non-issue.

And very thin people they can become noticeable. The only way to remove the stitch or not requires open surgery. It can either be done directly over the problem area which will give you a new scar or require redoing the entire tummy tuck.

If it bothers you enough to be willing to go through one of those two options then either follow up with your plastic surgeon or consult with another one to see what they have to say.

There’s no other way of removing the suture.

Is this that bothersome? Can you live with it? Does it only hurt when you press on it?(if yes then don’t press on it)

Good luck,

Mats Hagstrom MD

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