When will spitting stitches stop and heal? (Photo)

Question

I was 5 weeks post op yesterday from full tummy tuck/lipo. Around week 3 I was diagnosed with a surface level infection treated by antibiotics and stitches were trying to expel themselves. The infection has cleared up fine and the other parts of incision are healing well. I just had 3 more spots "pop" open recently. When will this (spitting stitches) stop And once they stop, how long will it take to heal? Added bonus-red bumps under the incision. When will this heal up?? Thanks!!

Mark Crispin, MD · Answer

You need to visit your doctor weekly to have him harvest the "spitting" sutures before they cause a more significant infection.  Otherwise they will smolder until they absorb.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph and I am sorry to hear of your continued wound healing difficulties.  Unfortunately the appearance of these localized infections will continue until the suture material completely dissolves or your body extrudes them through the skin.  I would anticipate these areas to heal over a few weeks time and they can be helped by visiting your surgeons office during any new episodes so that they can remove any sutures to minimize the inflammation and skin breakdown.  Best wishes.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Best to have weekly in person follow up with your surgeon so these sutures as they become noticed can be removed.

Victor Ferrari, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry to hear about your healing problems.  It's difficult to answer your questions without seeing you in person.  In general, if there are deep sutures that are already infected, the will eventually come to the surface and become exposed. The time to heal these areas will depend on the size of the opening created.  If you follow your PS's instructions on wound care, things should heal up quicker.  If you take good quality multivitamins (with minerals) that come from plant sources (not from a pharmacy) along with extra Vitamin C (Ester-C), your wounds will heal more quickly.

When will spitting stitches stop and heal? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Wound infection and exposed sutures after tummy tuck

Answer: Wound infection and exposed sutures after tummy tuck

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When will spitting stitches stop and heal? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Wound infection and exposed sutures after tummy tuck

Answer: Wound infection and exposed sutures after tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.