spitting stitches and delayed wound healing post Tummy Tuck. (photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 4 weeks ago. I've had a couple areas that are slow healing. My ps had me on 2 rounds of antibiotics just to be safe which I have completed. Last night after my shower a stitch fell out and I have several more poking through. Is this normal? What should I do? Does this effect anything? Also is there anything else I can do to help close the open areas? I'm cleaning it daily and treating it several times a day with a double topical antibiotic. I'm worried.

R. McIntyre Bridges, MD · Answer

Looks like you and your plastic surgeon are doing the right things.  Spitting stitches is not uncommonin all surgery when sutures are used close to the surface of the  skin.  Remember all sutures are foreign bodies, even dissolvable ones.  It's always a race between the body dissolving them or trying to get rid of them.  It's an annoying fact of surgery.  Just stay in touch with your plastic surgeon and follow his directions.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, excellent pictures, and sorry for your struggles.  You seem to be taking very good care of your wounds.  I recommend you see your plastic surgeon regularly to monitor your progress and address sutures that spit.  In general, these issues resolve and make sure you discuss scar management with your surgeon.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. I am sorry to hear about your problem. From what I can see, it looks like your surgeon used an absorbable stapler (Insorb) to close the dermal part of your skin.  They do take awhile to dissolve and occasionally will spit.  It is not that uncommon to have some slow ares of delayed healing, particularly along the middle of the incision where the tension is highest.  The risk of this problem is higher in obese patients, smokers, and more aggressive procedures.  It sounds like you are doing everything right.  Eventually these areas will heal, although the scar may be a little more wide, flat, or discolored.  You can always have a delayed scar revision in the future. Try to be patient and listen to your surgeon's instructions.  Good luck.

Ravinder Jarial, DO · Answer

Greetings. In general, things should improve. Just make sure to follow up with your plastic surgeon on a regular basis. Stitches can work themselves out of the incision(s). Vigilant monitoring is always good in these situations.  It seems that your surgeon is addressing the issue. As things may be frustrating at this point, they will improve over time. Best wishes.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.  Sometimes wound healing problems like this happen after a tummy tuck and it is one of the risks of having surgery. But with some local wound care it should heal fine.  Talk to your PS about what wound dressings she/he would recommend and continue to follow up.

spitting stitches and delayed wound healing post Tummy Tuck. (photos)

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Answer: Tummy tuck / stitches / wound healing

Answer: Tummy tuck / stitches / wound healing

Answer: Tummy tuck wounds

Answer: Tummy tuck wounds

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spitting stitches and delayed wound healing post Tummy Tuck. (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Tummy tuck / stitches / wound healing

Answer: Tummy tuck / stitches / wound healing

Answer: Tummy tuck wounds

Answer: Tummy tuck wounds

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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.