Follow-Up: Spitting stitches are now open sores on breast lift and aug. Is this common for some with spitting stitches? (photo)

Question

Two weeks post op, I had several spitting stitches. I was fine with that, but then developed a sore that opened up on my suture line that spit several stitches. Six weeks in, I have another wound that has opened, but does not appear to have stitches showing. I am concerned about infection and the possibility of the whole suture line opening up.

Ashley N. Amalfi, MD · Answer

It is very common to have some small areas of delayed healing, or 'spitting sutures' after this type of procedure.  We are pushing your skin to its limits by combining a tightening procedures (Mastopexy or breast lift) with a stretching procedure (Breast Augmementation.)  I would give your doc a call and be seen to make sure there is no associated infection.  They can give you some simple wound care instructions and you will be surprised at how quickly you heal.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, sutures can spit unfortunately for several months.  As to know if there is any infection, please be examined by your surgeon, good luck.

Donald W. Hause, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately what you are experiencing is not uncommon. The body's ability to absorb sutures is a balance between holding things together and absorbing soon enough to not cause a foreign body reaction (if the body finds a foreign object in the body, it tries to push it out). Occasionally because of local blood supply and other issues, the incision does not tolerate the suture very well and pushes it out. This causes a small wound that has to heal by itself. Thankfully this situation is almost always self limited and resolves in a few weeks if you keep it as clean as possible. Meanwhile it is a major headache that you have to be patient with. They almost never get infected but can be really pesky. Keep them clean, stay in close contact with you surgeon and it should be fine in a few weeks. The resulting scar should not be make much worse and if it is, you can fix it in 6 months or so.

Nicholas A. Flugstad, MD · Answer

It appears you have an open wound at the "T" junction of your incision. This may be from spitting sutures, but it sounds like it has been there for awhile. Follow up closely with your surgeon and make sure any foreign material such has suture has been removed. With proper care of that site directed by your surgeon, you should heal that area.

Follow-Up: Spitting stitches are now open sores on breast lift and aug. Is this common for some with spitting stitches? (photo)

Answers (4)

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