If one stitch popped open, what should I do?

Question

If one stitch popped open and I had the surgery down far away from home what should I do. I can I repair it my self.it's one of my side stitches where my hip is. I think it ripped from tryins to get on and off my bed

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

The best answer I can give you is to contact your plastic surgeon. If you had surgery out of state or abroad, he or she should still be available. Without seeing the wound it is impossible to evaluate, but the best way to treat a small opening is keeping it clean to avoid infection. A clean wound will usually heal itself. You can clean it with alcohol and use antibiotic ointment on it every day. Most importantly contact your surgeon. I would certainly like to know if you where one pf my patients.
Best of luck on your recovery, 
Dr. Miguel Mota

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It’s always advisable to inform your surgeon if a stitch has opened up. If they’re too far to meet, you can see a medical professional closer to you who may be able to help although make sure to let your surgeon know regardless. Please don’t try to repair it yourself.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, if you have only a tiny open wound from a single stitch coming out and it is not enlarging, you could apply antiseptic ointment and sterile gauze to prevent it from getting infected.  I would recommend contacting your surgeon to discuss whether this could be left to heal on its own or if they suggest seeking medical attention locally.

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

The body will heal this, but be conscious of how much exertion you are doing. Inform your surgeon. An opening usually is initially concerning to the patient but usually takes care of itself.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

If one stitch opened up, I would have my patient clean the area with soap and water and put some triple antibiotic ointment on it.  You should inform your surgeon too.

Robert Frank, MD · Answer

I doubt this will be a real problem. We have patients who often pop a stitch and they dress the wound and when its healed its impossible to tell where the problem was.

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

Important is to dress the wound immediately to avoid infections and to contact your surgeon. Most of the time with proper cleansing and wound care (done at home) you will be fine. Best of luck