Plastic clamp in belly button after tummy tuck, hernia repair

Question

I had hernia repair, muscle repair and tummy tuck surgery March 31. A couple of weeks ago I went to have it checked because it was still oozing and irritated. The surgeon noticed a white spot that he claimed was a dissolvable clamp and he cut a piece of it out. Today I noticed another white spot just like the first one. My question is, could this be something accidentally left inside of me or is there really such a thing as a dissolvable hard plastic clamp used in the belly button area?

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

It's common to have some "spitting sutures" after a tummy tuck.  Make sure you follow up closely with your plastic surgeon.

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

Hi @Rachel Thanks for your question. The insorb staples you are describing were invented by my partner Dr. Gryskiewicz here in Minneapolis. We commonly use them for improved incision healing. When used improperly they can "spit" as you have indicated above. In some patients even with perfect technique sutures and staples can still "spit" which is bothersome temporarily but should not lead to a poor scar or healing problem.

Best of luck,
Dr. Karan Chopra
★★★★★
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon
Face ⨀ Breast ⨀ Body Expert
Johns Hopkins Trained
Cosmetic Fellowship Trained

Best of luck,
Dr. Karan Chopra
★★★★★
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon
Face ⨀ Breast ⨀ Body Expert
Johns Hopkins Trained
Cosmetic Fellowship Trained

Joseph Hunstad, MD · Answer

There is a
dissolving plastic suture that does look like a clip that approximates the deep
tissues. It requires water to dissolve, and since there is not very much water
in the superficial skin, those can sometimes become visible, palpable and may
have to be removed. Yes, there is such a thing as a dissolving clip, which is
probably what you are noticing. I'd recommend that you follow up with your physician to confirm what you suspect. Hope this helps!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

What you are describing is a dissolvable staple or suture;  sometimes, they do need to be removed for a patient to allow the incision line to go on to heal nicely. Best wishes.

W. Tracy Hankins, MD · Answer

Most plastic surgeons use sutures that dissolve over time and these sometimes work their way close to the surface and need to be removed.  This does not mean anything was done wrong.

Reps B. Sundin, MD · Answer

Sounds like an insorb staple, which are supposed to dissolve but often spit.  So, it's annoying but nothing to worry about.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question but what you are describing are dissolvable stitches that not uncommonly work there way to the surface and need to be removedDr Corbin

Plastic clamp in belly button after tummy tuck, hernia repair

Answers (7)