Open wound after a suture come out 5 months post op! Any suggestions? (photos)

Question

2 days ago I saw a little open wound under my right breast in the middle. after a little suture come out called my plastic surgeon He told me to put Neosporin on it. And told me that it looked like a inflammation. I have no fever and it don´t hurt. I´m worried that this can be a infection that going to make my right breast look really bad? Should I go to a doctor? My plastic surgeon is 24 hours away so that is no option. Or should I just keep put Neosporin on it and wash it whit soap and water?

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

From your description and your photographs, it
appears you have a suture that has erupted through the skin and festered a
small wound.  These situations are
usually short lived  when one removes a
suture, as the suture is acting as a foreign body, it can act as a trigger for
infection.  Keeping the wound clean with
soap and water, and covered with a small Band-Aid, should be all that is
required.  I would discourage your use of
Neosporin for the long term, however, as it can have damaging affects when used
for more than 24-48 hours.  If your symptoms
persist, I would suggest that you schedule an appointment to see your local plastic
surgeon for further evaluation.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Much likely one internal suture is being rejected outwards, creating the hole, however the surrounding skin looks red and suggest over-infection; I recommend oral antibiotics, wide spectrum like quinolones. Check the case with your surgeon asap.

Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

You most like have what is known as a stitch abscess or a spitting 
stitch. Often they open on their own, drain and go away. They are 
usually self limited and generally  heal quickly after they drain. Send your surgeon your photo if your are concerned, they would appreciate the photo and can better advise you. A plastic surgeon is better trained to evaluate this type of wound, then a general physican .Yours,Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACSPlastic SurgeryNewport Beach, CA

John Nguyen, MD, FACS · Answer

This is not too unusual.  Most of the time this will resolve on its own with just local wound care.  If the redness persists or increases, see a local physician.  Good luck and be safe.John T. Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, sutures unfortunately do sometimes spit.  At five months-the treatment your plastic surgeon suggested should be enough, but if it gets worse, go see you primary care doctor.

Open wound after a suture come out 5 months post op! Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Open wound after a suture come out 5 months post op! Any suggestions?

Answer: Open wound after a suture come out 5 months post op! Any suggestions?

Answer: Suture spitting

Answer: Suture spitting

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Open wound after a suture come out 5 months post op! Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Open wound after a suture come out 5 months post op! Any suggestions?

Answer: Open wound after a suture come out 5 months post op! Any suggestions?

Answer: Suture spitting

Answer: Suture spitting

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.