Suture granulomas causing pain two years post op - could it be an allergy?

Question

Hi I have suture granulomas under skin. It’s been almost two years post tummy tuck. Skin is fine but tender pain to touch even when bloated. Two above my belly button confirmed by ct scan. Does it mean I’m allergic to non absorbable sutures? I feel third one below my belly button But no pain. I feel hard lump there.

Rafael Ramos Vecchio, MD · Answer

Hello,
Those could be so bothersome. Suture granulomas are a response of your immune system to a foreign body. It's more related to type of suture material, the size of it, location, technique and tissue reactivity than allergies. If this bothers you, depending of the location and function of the suture, it could be removed under local anesthetic. This doesn't necessarily mean you would get the same reaction if you were to have another procedure, yet it's possible. 
Steroid injections can be saved for non-resolving granulomas. 
Hope this helps!
Dr. Rafa Ramos, MDCleveland Clinic–trained Plastic & Reconstructive SurgeonCoral Gables, FL

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Suture granulomas are usually caused from bacterial contamination of the suture leading to an ongoing inflammatory response. Once a foreign body has been contaminated with bacteria it’s often very difficult to get this to heal up properly. It would be helpful to see pictures to have a better understanding of your condition.
Sometimes the sutures involved need to be removed.
Either follow up with your plastic surgeon or schedule a few in person second opinion consultations with other plastic surgeons in your community.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Suture granulomas causing pain two years post op - could it be an allergy?

Answers (2)

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