Is it unusual for a patient to have a reaction to the stitches? Is there a way to test if a person will be allergic to them?

Unfortunately, some patients do experience reactions to sutures that can result in inflammation, localized pustules (like pimples around the suture), or discomfort and sensitivity. The sutures eventually dissolve, but may cause irritation before they dissolve. At times, suture knots can be cut out by the surgeon to improve this situation. There is no way to know in advance who might react poorly to a particular suture, but fortunately most patients heal without such problems. If a poor scar does result, which is not usually the case, the scar can generally be revised and improved later.

Thank you for your question.  All patients are different some being super sensitive to all kinds of synthetic products.  First, lets separate an allergy from a side effect.  An allergy is an effect that causes a reaction in your body that can only be changed with an antihistamine medication. A side effect is something that is not normal, unwanted but truly poses no real danger to a patient.  When you consult with your BCPS, if you are super sensitive or have allergies let him know.  There are many suture to choose from, like no dye or no antibiotic.  Different suture grades with higher quality silks or nylons.  These suture are very expensive and that may be taken into consideration when your surgery is priced.  The best weapon against poor outcomes is complete histories and strict post op direction adherence.  Good luck!Dr. Lane F. Smith

Hello!  Thank you for your question. It is highly unlikely that one would have a true allergy to the material used in sutures. However, sometimes, reactions may occur and cause small "stitch abscesses" or the sutures are "spit out" from the incision. While this is not common, it should not cause any significant change in appearance for the final scar. There is no test to see if you will react to the sutures and should not be an issue. Best wishes!

There is no way of predicting whether you will have any issues to stitches but these are rare problems. Small stitch abscesses can occur and stitches can come to the surface but these issues usually resolve without effecting the long term result. 

 Thank you for the question. Yes, occasionally stitches can "come to the surface”  and cause localized inflammatory reactions ( “stitch abscesses”). Fortunately, these types of problems are infrequent and usually do not result in  abnormal scarring. Sometimes, after tummy tuck surgery, for a multitude of reasons, scar revision surgery may help improve the outcome. Preoperative testing is generally not done. Best wishes.