Should I have an exposed spitting stitch removed if it doesn't hurt?

Question

I am post op breast lift and augmentatation 4 weeks and have a spitting stitch. I originally thought it was an external stitch so I used a splinter pin to try and drig it out. To my horror as I tried pulling I could feel it was like a nylon stitch and the then I could see 2 knots in the stitch. The hole is not big when I opened it but the suture is visible and I can feel it when I rub my finger on it.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Spitting of sutures after surgery is not uncommon. Your surgeon or his nurse can easily remove these in the office. You probably should refrain from digging in your incision with foreign objects.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and this can easily be done at your surgeon's office, either by staff or himself.  By removing the suture, you allow your body to heal and resolve the inflammation that surrounds the stitch.

Lee E. Corbett, MD · Answer

I'd run by your surgeon's office. He/She or their nurse can clip this for you in about 30 seconds and solve the problem. I don't think your surgeon would want you to have an open wound on your breast with an implant in there. Go see your doctor.

Should I have an exposed spitting stitch removed if it doesn't hurt?

Answers (3)