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Are these spitting stitches? (photos)

I'm almost 4 weeks post op breast lift/aug. From pictures I've seen, these look like spitting stitches but a lot of them. I have knots under the skin along incision and I can feel something that feels like a thick string connecting the knots. Is this really bad?What's going on??? Also my breast are still very sore.

Doctor Answers 10

October 16th, 2016

Spitting Sutures

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Dear alb20,

Yes, those are. Sometimes they will extrude if your body disagrees with the material or if they were placed too superficially. It is more common with some suture types than others. They should be retracted and clipped off or they will act as an entry point for bacteria.

I hope this has been helpful.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Robert D. Wilcox, MD


Dallas Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 22 reviews

October 13th, 2016

Suture Spitting

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Hello,

Yes, that appears to be an unusual amount of suture spitting. Your Plastic Surgeon can remove them for you in office to ensure you heal well. I recommend that you give them a call.


All the best

Learn more: http://edelsteincosmetics.com/learning-centre/cosmetic-surgery-scars-and-healing/

Jerome Edelstein, MD
October 11th, 2016

Suture spitting

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Thanks for your inquiry and excellent pictures, your sutures are spitting.  If you were my patient we would remove those for you in the office.  Good Luck.  

Vishnu Rumalla, MD
October 11th, 2016

Spitting Sutures

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Yes. Based on your photos it does appear to be spitting sutures. A follow up appointment is needed in order to have those removed. It is very common to have sutures come through incisions.

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA
October 11th, 2016

Spitting Sutures

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Dear alb20, 

They do appear to be spitting sutures. I would return to your operating surgeon and have them removed. This is a common occurrence along a surgical incision and typically it is nothing to worry about. Good luck!

Richard A. Bartlett, MD
October 11th, 2016

Are these spitting stitches?

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Thank you for your question. Yes they are sutures. They can be easily removed in your surgeons office. I recommend you to go and see your PS. 

Ven Erella, MD

Ven Erella, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 41 reviews

October 11th, 2016

Are these spitting stitches

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You are correct and these are just sutures that are spitting at the surface. Your surgeon can clip them for you. 

Lawrence Bundrick, MD

Lawrence Bundrick, MD
Huntsville Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 11 reviews

October 10th, 2016

Spitting Sutures

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Yes, those are sutures that have worked their way to the surface. Be sure to see you PS, so they may remove them. Best, Dr. Kludt

Nathan Kludt, MD

Nathan Kludt, MD
Stockton Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 35 reviews

October 10th, 2016

Spitting stitches?

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They are spitting stitches which have worked their way to the skin surface. Notify your operating surgeon so that they can remove them for you.

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS
Paramus Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 37 reviews

October 10th, 2016

Are these spitting stitches after breast surgery?

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Yes, these appear to be absorbable sutures that have come to the surface;  best to have your plastic surgeon evaluate and remove. Best wishes.

Learn more: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/Procedure_breastLiftAug.htm

Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.