I have a stitch sticking out of incision 3 weeks post op, what shall I do with it? (photo)

Question

I had breast augmentation 3 weeks ago, everything has healed great, however I have just found the end of a stitch sticking out the end of my incision

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

You should ask this specific question to your chosen surgeon for further instruction. As he or she knows what was exactly done.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Not knowing how your surgeon close the incision it would be best to report to situation to him. He may permit you to deal with it on your own.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

The stitch that is sticking out should be evaluated and probably removed by the plastic surgeon.  I would not  suggest you do anything personally.

George Volpe, MD · Answer

Hi , this is the type of small problem that can occur with any surgical incision depending on the technique of stitching used. Your surgeon can quickly handle this. A stitch protruding from the skin is usually not a major issue but should it become infected, it should be dealt with quickly.

Jeffrey Umansky, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question and photo. I would contact your doctor as he/she knows what type of suture was used and when it needs to be removed. My best guess is that the stitch you are seeing is the end of an absorbable suture that can probably just be cut flush with your skin, but best to check with your surgeon. Good luck!

Richard Wellington Swift, MD · Answer

Dear Ellie, It appears that you merly have a subcuticular dissolvable suture that needs to be clipped. Just contact your plastic surgeon who can easily take care of this for you. Best of luck in the future.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Always best to return to operative surgeon for suture removal and follow up examination. If you were my patient I would require that...

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photo.  This appears to be a self dissolving stich at the end of your incision.  I close my incisions like this and have my nurse trim the edge at the follow up visit.  Check with your surgeon and ask them to remove for you.  Good luck.

Thomas M. DeWire Sr., MD (retired) · Answer

EllieR7,  This is a subcuticular (in the dermis) suture that was used to line up the skin edges. I cannot tell if this is a dissolvable suture, or a permanent kind that must be removed. Your surgeon's office can tell you which kind it is, and whether you should just pull a little and then cut off the end, versus pulling it all the way out.  Or they may have you come in to have that done. There usually is another visible suture end at the other end of the incision, and it is like a train going through a tunnel, with the rest buried in between.  This is not a serious problem, but will annoy you until you resolve the issue.  I hppe that this helps.Best wishes,    Tom DeWire, MD, FACS    Richmond, VA

I have a stitch sticking out of incision 3 weeks post op, what shall I do with it? (photo)

Answers (9)

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