Suture granuloma after Tummy Tuck 8 years ago. If it is repaired, will it happen again?

Question

I had a TT 8 years ago w/muscle repair. 2 years after, a small lump developed next to my belly button. It has steadily grown & very painful. In addition the lump has caused my belly button to close & it is now oozing. Ultrasound & Mri ruled out any hernia. PS said its a Suture Granuloma and the suture would have to be surgically removed. I have 2 concerns, If it is repaired with permanent sutures will this happen again? if dissolvable sutures are used will the repaired muscle seperate?

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

I would agree that removing the suture granuloma should solve your problem. Since you are several years past your surgery, your muscles have healed and  should not present a problem to you at this point.

Jeffrey Rockmore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Suture granulomas have many causes, but are usually present from a reaction to either a dissolvable or permanent suture.  Once the suture is removed, the granuloma typically resolves.  Since your tummy tuck was performed 2 years ago, it is unlikely that the suture removal will cause any change in the muscle  At this point, the muscles should have scarred together and should no longer require the suture to hold them.  If you have any question, I would suggest discussing it with your plastic surgeon.Best of luck.Jeff Rockmore

R. McIntyre Bridges, MD · Answer

a suture granule is always associated with a permanant suture. Permanent sutures are used because it takes 6 moths or more for enough scar tissue to form between the repaired muscle for the muscles not to separate.  Dissolvable sutures don't stick around long enough to be useful.  Once u have enough scar tissue the permanent suture become useless because they have done their job.  So taking out the useless permanent suture will not cause the muscles to separate.

Samuel Shatkin, Jr., MD · Answer

If the suture that is involved with the suture granuloma is a skin suture, the procedure is very limited to the skin and a relatively easy procedure to manage.  If the suture involved is one of the deeper facial muscle repair sutures, a deeper removal is needed and may pose some of the concerns you bring up about weakness of the muscles.  Your plastic surgeon should be able to assess this and analyze the issue.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that you will have a recurrence suture granuloma after your revision. in general this procedure should be relatively limited in scope.In working with a plastic surgeon, it is essential to ensure
that they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

I wish you the best,

Dr. Gabbay.

Suture granuloma after Tummy Tuck 8 years ago. If it is repaired, will it happen again?

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Suture granuloma after Tummy Tuck 8 years ago. If it is repaired, will it happen again?

Answers (9)

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Answer: Tummy tuck suture problem

Answer: Recurrence of suture granuloma after revisional procedure

Answer: Recurrence of suture granuloma after revisional procedure

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