Can a Scar Re Open? If So Why Does It Keep Happening?

Question

I recently had breast reconstruction surgery. A month later I had a massive infection resulting in me having my infected breast implant removed. 5 weeks post op and I have just noticed a hole that’s opened in the scaring it’s not the first time this has happened it’s the second time just in a different place i found out there was a sitich that come through once that come out it closed withing a couple of days. Can a scar re open and if so what causes it?

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Hard to say anything without photos.. Often there will be a spitting stitch or two.  The skin may open up a bit and be a little red.  Also fibrinous exudate may be present and may look like pus.  These small things usually resolve well. There may be other issues that pertain to your particular case. Please talk with your board certified plastic surgeon. Discuss your concerns. Together you can make a plan that should work for the both of you.

Michelle Spring, MD, FACS · Answer

What you are describing sounds like a stitch abscess.  This is usually uncomplicated and resolves once the suture material is removed.  Often, patients will have more than one stitch extrude in the same scar.  However, given your history of a breast implant infection, you probably want to consult with your surgeon and have the area examined. 

	Sincerely,

	Dr. Michelle Spring

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It sounds like you had a stich spitting.  As for how things appear now, it would be best to be seen by your doctor. I can not say what is going on withotu an exam in person.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

When this recurs, often, as was the case for you, there is a foreign body (stitch) that is the culprit. Better to discuss with your surgeon and have the suture removed.. All the best.

Randy J. Buckspan, MD (retired) · Answer

Scars will reopen in places where the stitches get inflamed or infected.  Most of these are dissolving stitches, but they they can act up before they disappear over several months.  Either they heal up, erupt and are ejected, or they are taken out.  The resulting "hole" may still be infected, so it may take some time to heal, then close.  Let your plastic surgeon see the problem as soon as you notice it.

Can a Scar Re Open? If So Why Does It Keep Happening?

Answers (5)

Answer: Can a Scar Re Open? If So Why Does It Keep Happening?

Answer: Can a Scar Re Open? If So Why Does It Keep Happening?

Answer: Breast Scar Re-opens After Infection

Answer: Breast Scar Re-opens After Infection

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Can a Scar Re Open? If So Why Does It Keep Happening?

Answers (5)

Answer: Can a Scar Re Open? If So Why Does It Keep Happening?

Answer: Can a Scar Re Open? If So Why Does It Keep Happening?

Answer: Breast Scar Re-opens After Infection

Answer: Breast Scar Re-opens After Infection

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.