How do I heal hole from attempted spit stitch removal? (Photo)

Question

I had an abcess from a spitting stich in the past and was able to remove the knot myself with tweezers. I attempted to do this on another stitch that I thought was working its way out. Bad idea. I wasn't able to find or remove it. Now I have a hole. I'm afraid I left myself worse off. If I leave it alone, will it heal normally? I alternate letting it breathe and covering it with bandage and antibiotic ointment. I am upset that I have done this. Please advise. My surgeon is across the country

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Stitches spitting is common in a mastopexy. The hole in your photo is quite small and not uncommon. Typically in our practice we use bacitracin or bactroban to apply to the affected area. Keeping it clean and dry is important. If you are resting and not being active letting it open to air may be a good idea.  Please always refer to your surgeon for follow up care. Best of luck!

Mark Crispin, MD · Answer

Generally, sutures that spit like yours -once removed will heal without difficulty as long as there is no infection.  If there are signs of infection then you should contact your surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Often when the spitting suture is removed the small hole closes down.  If there is other foreign tissue there like suture or an implant, then it may drain continuously and further surgery may be required.

Gaurav Bharti, MD, FACS · Answer

This will likely heal in its own with some antibiotic ointment and normal hygiene. I would recommend discussion and evaluation by your surgeon for his or her recommendations.  Good luck

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photo and question.  This small wound will heal on it's own , you can put a dab of neosporin on it once a day for several days and then keep it clean and dry after that.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

This will likely heal by itself but it is best to contact your plastic surgeon directly for proper care and follow up.

Talmage J. Raine, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

And your surgeon is across the country? I hate to hear that. Now you are relying other surgeons across the country further helping. I do not think this is serious. It will either heal spontaneously or will attempt to erupt again. I suggest you email your surgeon and attach this picture and ask him for his plan.Talmage Raine MD

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thanks for your question and photograph. This is not an uncommon situation when dissolvable sutures are placed into the skin. Sometimes, after removal of the stitch, there is still a granulation tissue that's very red and friable. In my hands, silver nitrate has allowed these wounds to consolidate much more quickly once we solidify the friable granulation tissue. After that, standard dressing regimens with antibiotic ointment and a Band-Aid should suffice. Hope that's helpful.

How do I heal hole from attempted spit stitch removal? (Photo)

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