Can I snip my suture knots hanging out?

Question

I had my surgery with an out of town doctor so can’t go back to office. I’m about 6 weeks post-op and end of tummy tuck incision has a very small clear suture knot hanging out with like bunny ears poking up. Doesn’t hurt but looks a tiny bit irritated with a very small divet around it. Can I carefully clip these so they go under skin? Have also noticed a small knot around my areola.

Nikesh K. Patel, MD · Answer

Well before six weeks all non-dissolvable sutures should have been removed. Occasionally, dissolvable sutures can poke out of the skin during recovery and they are typically white or clear.  If this occurs it is important to make sure that they do not get infected so be sure to talk to your surgeon about how to treat an exposed suture

Ira H. Rex lll, MD · Answer

It would almost surely be okay for you to sniff that bothersome suture. First, call your doctor's office to make sure that is okay.

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Absorbable sutures spitting through the scar are very common. You should call or email your doctor's office and send photos. They will likely advise you to pick them out.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Even though your PS is out of town you should be able to email or text him/her photos of your suture knots or phone his/her office and speak to one of the nurses.  They should be able to provide the post-operative guidance that you are seeking.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

David Azouz, MD, FACS, FRCS(C) · Answer

It is important to check with the plastic surgeon before removing any sutures.  The plastic surgeon can guide if it is possible to use nail clippers to remove a suture after surgery.  The plastic surgeon who did the procedure will be able to explain if this is a permanent suture or dissolvable suture.  This is important to know because permanent suture material should be completely removed from the skin.

Maximilian Malotky, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question tmonroe777.  I would still try to contact your out-of-town plastic surgeon's office.  The surgeon, or his/her nurse or medical assistant should be able to advise you on how to proceed.  Usually, after 6 weeks there has been enough healing that removing suture knots wouldn't be a problem, but sometimes we use non absorbable sutures (often around the areola) to prevent the scar from widening.  Long story short, it's probably ok but definitely check with your surgeon first!
Best wishes,
Dr. Max

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

I would not recommend cutting the suture yourself as this may lead to infection or other complications. Seek the advice of a board certified plastic surgeon or call your plastic surgeon's office to discuss your concerns.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It will probably be fine to clip the sutures, but you should check with your surgeon first.  The office will advise you on how to go about suture removal.

Pravin Reddy, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for some sutures to “spit” from the incision.  If it has been about 4-weeks since your surgery and you are experiencing this, then it is safe to use fine tipped scissors to gently trim the sutures.  I would check with your surgeon before doing this.  Many sutures will fall out by themselves if left alone.

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would recommend consulting your surgeon regarding any post op concerns. Your surgeon is familiar with your specific case and knows the type of sutures used.

Can I snip my suture knots hanging out?

Answers (13)