Are these spitting stitches? (photos)

Question

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.

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

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!

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

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

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

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.

Nathan Kludt, MD · Answer

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

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

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

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

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.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

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.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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

Lawrence Bundrick, MD (retired) · Answer

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

Are these spitting stitches? (photos)

Answers (10)

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