My dissolvable stitches are starting to pop out, I have two so far. One has been exposed about 2 weeks now and PS said to just let it be. Now I have another one. It is white and pretty strong. I dont think I can pull it as it seems to have two ends sticking out so I assume its in a knot. Can these stitches leave holes? Should I insist that my PS remove them? Im sure I will start having others pop out. They are freaking me out. I am 4 weeks Tummy Tuck post op
Answer: Have an itch to remove a stitch? Typically when plastic surgeons stitch up incisions, we stitch it up in at least 3 different layers. We use somewhat larger stitches for the deeper layers and smaller sutures for the more superficial layers. The stitches for the deep layer are usually deep enough where they don't get "spit" out by the body. The more superficial stitches are typically right under the surface of the skin and are within the layers of the skin which can be thin. As a result, it can be quite common that these stitches begin to make their way to the surface and will extrude. This is nothing to worry about but I do understand how someone may see that and get concerned. I can also understand that it may be uncomfortable and unsightly and one would like to have it removed if possible. I think you should make an appointment with your plastic surgeon, let him take a look at it, and then request that if he thinks no harm will come from removing the stitches that they be removed. I follow up with my patients pretty frequently after their surgery and if I see a stitch make its way to the surface I will remove it and then have them place a small amount of antibiotic ointment on the little hole until it heals. I would advise that you not remove them yourself but if you decide to do so then just make sure everything you use is very clean and sterile and that you clean the area before removing the stitch. I hope this helps alleviate some of your concerns and I hope you are able to get this situation resolved. Ankur Mehta MD
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Answer: Have an itch to remove a stitch? Typically when plastic surgeons stitch up incisions, we stitch it up in at least 3 different layers. We use somewhat larger stitches for the deeper layers and smaller sutures for the more superficial layers. The stitches for the deep layer are usually deep enough where they don't get "spit" out by the body. The more superficial stitches are typically right under the surface of the skin and are within the layers of the skin which can be thin. As a result, it can be quite common that these stitches begin to make their way to the surface and will extrude. This is nothing to worry about but I do understand how someone may see that and get concerned. I can also understand that it may be uncomfortable and unsightly and one would like to have it removed if possible. I think you should make an appointment with your plastic surgeon, let him take a look at it, and then request that if he thinks no harm will come from removing the stitches that they be removed. I follow up with my patients pretty frequently after their surgery and if I see a stitch make its way to the surface I will remove it and then have them place a small amount of antibiotic ointment on the little hole until it heals. I would advise that you not remove them yourself but if you decide to do so then just make sure everything you use is very clean and sterile and that you clean the area before removing the stitch. I hope this helps alleviate some of your concerns and I hope you are able to get this situation resolved. Ankur Mehta MD
Helpful 10 people found this helpful
Answer: Dissolvable Stitches If something like this occurs after your surgery, the best person to contact is your surgeon as he might have used different types of stitches during the procedure. Another important point is that dissolvable stitches can have a variable amount of time before they dissolve- it can take between one week and six months. If it does irritate you, it might need to be removed immediately. But I have explained initially I would consult any actions with your surgeon first.
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Answer: Dissolvable Stitches If something like this occurs after your surgery, the best person to contact is your surgeon as he might have used different types of stitches during the procedure. Another important point is that dissolvable stitches can have a variable amount of time before they dissolve- it can take between one week and six months. If it does irritate you, it might need to be removed immediately. But I have explained initially I would consult any actions with your surgeon first.
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March 9, 2021
Answer: Dissolvable stitches after tummy tuck After a tummy tuck procedure, there are stitches in multiple layers and all stitches are dissolvable. They are all inside the skin and they do not need removal. The wounds take 2-3 weeks to heal and then you should start looking after the scars.
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March 9, 2021
Answer: Dissolvable stitches after tummy tuck After a tummy tuck procedure, there are stitches in multiple layers and all stitches are dissolvable. They are all inside the skin and they do not need removal. The wounds take 2-3 weeks to heal and then you should start looking after the scars.
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April 6, 2019
Answer: Spitting Sutures It sounds like you are spitting a few absorbable sutures. It is not uncommon for a few superficial sutures to come to the surface and poke out near an incision. Generally, they pose no risk, but they can be annoying. Sometimes, they will lead to a small localized infection. The suture material will usually dissolve after several weeks, but the spitting sutures can also be easily removed by your surgeon if they are bothering you.
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April 6, 2019
Answer: Spitting Sutures It sounds like you are spitting a few absorbable sutures. It is not uncommon for a few superficial sutures to come to the surface and poke out near an incision. Generally, they pose no risk, but they can be annoying. Sometimes, they will lead to a small localized infection. The suture material will usually dissolve after several weeks, but the spitting sutures can also be easily removed by your surgeon if they are bothering you.
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October 29, 2018
Answer: Stitch sinus post tummy tuck Hi there,
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October 29, 2018
Answer: Stitch sinus post tummy tuck Hi there,
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October 6, 2018
Answer: Dissolvable Sutures Can Extrude Yes, every plastic surgeon has seen this happen and it can be very frustrating for all involved. I personally find it to be less common with some suture material than others - the more expensive stuff seems to be less problematic (surprise).I would rather that you have the stitches causing trouble to be removed as you will likely get a better scar that way. If you leave them in place they cause an irritation that makes the scar a little wider and darker.Good Luck!
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October 6, 2018
Answer: Dissolvable Sutures Can Extrude Yes, every plastic surgeon has seen this happen and it can be very frustrating for all involved. I personally find it to be less common with some suture material than others - the more expensive stuff seems to be less problematic (surprise).I would rather that you have the stitches causing trouble to be removed as you will likely get a better scar that way. If you leave them in place they cause an irritation that makes the scar a little wider and darker.Good Luck!
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