Spitting stitch on a Tummy tuck. Any suggestions? (photos)

Question

Hello. I'm writing to find out if I need to do anything else with this white area. Yesterday I pulled out a spitting stitched. Should this area close now on itself? I still clean it with hydrogen peroxide and I'm wearing my silicon scar guards. I'm 4 weeks post opt. What do you suggest. It hasn't gotten any bigger. I wear two compressions every day as well.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point of your post op the swelling is normal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.  I am sorry to hear of your wound and would recommend seeing your plastic surgeon for an in-person evaluation and recommendation as to wound care.  That white area may need some surgical debridement to allow your body to fill it in to heal completely.  Best wishes.

Syed Mashhadi, FRCS · Answer

Thanks for your query.Spitting sutures are not uncommon in any big surgical wound like TT. However, I could see some slough ( white dead tissue) on your wound. It does not seem infected so no need for antibiotics. My advice is to go back to your surgeon and request for local debridement ( removing dead tissue) to promote the healing. You need to see pink healthy tissue ( granulation tissues ) to have good healing. You would need Aquacel Ag or intrasite or medihoney dressing after debridement followed by simple silicon based dressings like Mepatil or Adaptic touch once the wound is filled up . RegardsMr. Syed MashhadiConsultant Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

Most likely all you need to do is put some topical antibiotic ointment (any over-the-counter brand) on it, a Band-Aid or other dressing and take your regular showers. Given basic cleanliness and time these almost always heal without further issue.

Kimball M. Crofts, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have not gotten all of the stitch.    I would suggest you get in to see your surgeon right away to minimize risk of further complications.  They may need to clean it out and put you on wound dressing changes.  It would be suggested that you do not put silicone scar guards over the area that is open as it can trap infection and keep it from healing.

Spitting stitch on a Tummy tuck. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (5)

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