What would happen if I cut the stitches in my belly button?

Question

I had a tummy tuck 14 years ago. I hate the stitches in my belly button. What would happen if I cut them back some? When intimate, it's gross.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  I would return to your surgeon's office for an evaluation.  It would be unusual to have stitches after 14 years and this should be further explored in order to help improve your current appearance and difficulties.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.
It's unusual for sutures to be coming through 14 years later. I  suggest calling your surgeon to have him or her take a look. Best wishes.

Nicholas Jones, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would recommend following up with your surgeon to further investigate your problem. Sutures are usually removed within the first 10-12 days. I typically use absorbable sutures to repair the belly button and do not require removal. Occasionally, the suture knot may erode through the skin and require removal.

Good Day,

Nicholas Jones, MD

Good Day,

Nicholas Jones, MD

Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. It is possible that you have sutures that remain after abdominoplasty if the surgeon who performed your procedure used suture material that was permanent and not reabsorbable. Some surgeons use these permanent sutures to perform the plication of the rectus abdominis musculature. Personally, I avoid using permanent suture to stay away from the problem you are experiencing. 
Nonetheless, never try to remove sutures at home. You should definitely go and have a consultation with a fully trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon to determine what your options are when it comes to removal of this suture material.
All the best!
Alex Zuriarrain, MD, Plastic Surgery

Chad Douglas Tattini, MD · Answer

First of all, I would recommend consulting with your original plastic surgeon. Second of all, if he/she is not accessible, I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon to further evaluate this area. I would not recommend doing any procedures on yourself.

Robert V. Mandraccia, MD · Answer

I agree it would be odd to have sutures that long after an operation, but not unheard of. Se a plastic surgeon in your area for best chance at a resolution.

Daniel M. Calloway, MD · Answer

Most Tummy Tuck surgeries require the relocation of the belly button (Umbilicus).  This is performed by cutting around the belly button and leaving it attached to its umbilical stalk.  Once the excess skin is removed from the tummy, the belly button is resutured to its new location on the abdominal wall.  The sutures are generally removed within weeks of the surgery.  Finding sutures 14 years later, means you should have your situation evaluated by a board certified Plastic Surgeon to assist you in resolving this problem.
Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I assume you mean 14 days and not 14 years ago.  If at 14 days, you should talk with your doctor. He may just remove them in the office.

Richard Sadove, MD · Answer

Dear Gainesvillle MomYou should not have sutures that are 14  years old. If your doctor is still in practice please contact them for removal. If the doctor is no longer in practice please contact my office.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question, gamom35.
Your stitches should have been removed a long time ago. 
But I don’t suggest you cut them yourself. Please consult a reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon to have your stitches checked and avoid any complications.
Best of luck!

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