Is an internal suture emerging from my incision a concern? (Photo)

Question

The tip of an internal suture is poking out of my healing incision. It's very short and feels like the end of a piece of fishing line. It's been there since immediately after my surgery. Because it's the week before Christmas, my doctor is not working. It itches a little bit, but doesn't hurt. I'm keeping the area clean, but I'd like to know what I should be watching for to make sure this healing, vulnerable area doesn't become a problem. Thank you.

Hagen Schumacher, PhD, FRCS(Plast), FEBOPRAS · Answer

This can cause a small local irritation and will often settle on its own. However, if this becomes infected you will need to have the ends trimmed and also need antibiotics to protect the implant. In my experience, the best way of treating this is to trim the ends and keep the wound clean

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Yes a concern. Your doctor likely has a colleague on call for them so have the other plastic surgeon take a look at this incision today. Best regards,Dr. Aldo

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

This is likely the end of the very superficial sutures that is placed to close the skin. Often this is trimmed a few weeks after surgery.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

This sounds like you are feeling a dissolvable stitch. It is often easiest of you have the end of the stitch trimmed. A practice nurse would be able to trim this for you if your PS is not around.

Lawrence Bundrick, MD (retired) · Answer

It sounds like you are just spitting a suture at the end of your incision. It is not uncommon and can be trimmed down by either your surgeon or someone in his office. Until then just maybe keep something on it in order to keep it from poking you and irritating your surrounding skin.

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

From your description and photos,  the most likely source of this issue is a spitting suture. Part of the suture, probably the end of the knot has worked its way out of the skin. Because the sutures are made of a sugar substance they require enzymatic degradation by the body. Once they are outside of the skin, they will not dissolve on their own. It's very simple with a very small scissor and pickups to pull up on the suture and trim the edge. Until your plastic surgeon can see you, I would leave it alone and cover with a Band-Aid. Congratulations on your surgery.

Is an internal suture emerging from my incision a concern? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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