Should I remove this 4 week old stitch and scab or leave it alone? (Photo)

Question

My drains were placed on my pubis, when my surgeon removed them he cut the stitches, cleaned the area and dressed it, said the holes would close in a few days. Today I was taking photos of my incisions and I noticed that what I thought was all scab appears to have sutures entwined in the scab, I don't want to disrupt the scab but these are not dissolvable stitches, I lifted the edge of the scab and the stitch appears to be connected. What should I do? Seeing my surgeon is not an option

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

So far, 4 of my colleagues have answered this question ahead of me, and all 4 have advised that you see your surgeon, conveniently avoiding the statement you ended your question with: "Seeing my surgeon is not an option."Why not?You require follow-up care by the surgeon you paid for this procedure, as post-op care is part of the service for which you paid. You may find another surgeon who might deal with this issue, but with the medicolegal issues we all face, you may find it difficult to expect free care, much less free advice, when you made the choice to have surgery with whomever is now "not an option."I know there are plenty of skilled and qualified plastic surgeons in Chicago, but I do not understand why you cannot return to the surgeon who may have left a suture in this wound. Yes, it should be removed, and by someone who knows what they are doing and can prescribe antibiotics if necessary. If you see someone other than your surgeon, I would expect to pay a fee for service. Please do not wait until this becomes a problem. And as has been said by others, the patient who performs surgery on herself has a fool for a patient. This is not something you should attempt on your own--you are already "lifting the edge of the scab" when you should be seeking professional care. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Do not remove by yourself... If seeing your surgeon is not an option (my guess is because of medical tourism), consult with another surgeon.Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Most likely this stitch will fall out on it own, but the scab is preventing it from falling out.  I would not touch the scab unless you want to cause bleeding.  The hole where the drain came out will probably not close if there is an offending suture preventing the edges of the skin to close.  So therefore, I would recommend you follow up with your surgeon to help you with this wound issue, I know you said it was not an option.  I believe in this case you should at least see his nurse that can take care of this for you.  Good luck

John J. O'Brien, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for this question. I would recommend a followup with your treating plastic surgeon for advice regarding this wound. Best of luck.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

This is a question that should be addressed to your own surgeon. There's probably nothing wrong with extracting the suture but your wound care is his responsibility.

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

Dear restoring_meThe best option is really to contact your surgeon and not try to lift the scab and remove the stitches yourself.

Jason S. Cooper, MD · Answer

Removing these sutures carefully is likely best at 4 weeks post operation. You should contact your surgeon and explain the situation so that you can be seen by your surgeon or someone in the office. One concern is that you may re-growth skin or scar around or over the sutures making removal more challenging for you, your surgeon, or another provider at a later date.

Should I remove this 4 week old stitch and scab or leave it alone? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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