Sutures causing small bumps where the are working out after Zplasty on face. What should I do?

Likely, these sutures represent the deep, tension-bearing layer of your closure. White sutures could represent Vicryl, an absorbable suture material. Because it can take quite a few weeks for them to be absorbed. If these sutures are permanent, they definitely need to be removed now that they are spitting through. See your plastic surgeon for appropriate assessment and management. 

What you're experiencing is fairly common. The sutures can be extracted to hasten the wound healing. Consult with your surgeon for instructions.

What you are describing is known as suture spitting, where instead of sutures being absorbed by your body, this happens.  Normally you could let the process go and allow it to heal but it worsens the scars and that's not ideal on a face.  Having this removed helps with healing

Unfortunately this happens once in a while and every plastic surgeon knows it.  We call it suture spitting.  Sorry that it's happening.I agree that you should see your surgeon immediately.  In my experience, if I can get the irritating suture out right away, it really turns into a big nothing and the wound heals fine.  But if you let it sit and continually stay irritated, then it can affect your scar later.I'm going to leave a link to a W-plasty I did on the face a while back just so you know that the operation does work nicely.Good Luck!

Thank you for the question.  It is common to use a couple layers of suture when doing a Z-plasty or scar revision.  The bottom layer is hidden under the skin and takes tension off of the incision hopefully producing a better scar.  A dissolvable suture is usually used for the deeper layer, but sometimes the body has a hard time dissolving the knots.  This can cause what is happening to you currently and is quite manageable.  You should call your Plastic Surgeon and make an appointment to follow-up about your concerns.  Trying to pull on the suture showing or digging them out at home leaves you open to possibly causing an infection.  Good luck with everything!

Having sutures "spit" can be frustrating, but it's best not to try to remove them yourself. Go see your surgeon so he/she can remove the sutures and let you know if he/she anticipates any additional scarring.

I agree with my colleagues, the sutures have not fully dissolved and need to be removed. Once these are out you should do well. Contact your plastic surgeon, he / she will be happy to help resolve this issue for you.Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

when you are having any wound healing issues after scar revision.  Some of the presumed sutures may have to be removed to minimize the inflammatory process they seem to be aggravating.  Most of the time, situations such as this, do not affect your final outcome if managed in a timely manner.

Thank you for your question. Sounds like you may have some dissolvable Vicryl sutures that are working their way out. Do not worry. I recommend that you call your plastic surgeon and schedule an appointment for an examination and to discuss your concerns.

Hi ColoradoMaiden:No distress! These are probably the dissolving sutures placed by your surgeon under the skin to keep you from having puncture site or cross-hatched scars with removable stitches or staples. Part of the healing process is for the body to dissolve the suture but the knot is bulkier than the holding portion of the stitch and therefore takes longer to resorb; or the body "spits" it out or forms a tiny cyst.It is best to call the surgeons office and ask what he/she wishes for you to do.Options include:peroxide to assist in dissolving the residual suturedrainage (or as you say, opening and tweezing out the knot)allowing the knot to dissolve or fully spit on its own.All the best with this!