Spitting stitch 16 years after TT - Should this be removed from my body? (Photos)

Question

To my amazement I had a poking suture after 16 years from a procedure when I was 29. Mini tummy tuck. The surgeon used blue permanent stitch. I had no idea. They advise me that they don’t use those anymore and that I could just snip it and let it heal. Should this not be removed from my body? Can it be done with local anesthetics?

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Permanent sutures remain a strong, consistent and reliable method.

Usually they are inert and cause no tissue reaction.

Rarely, they may come to the surface, at times years later, with a little localized irritation which is easily resolved by removing the stitch at skin level. This can be done with or without your/a doctor.

There should be no after effects.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

In the absence of infection, to "snip it and let it heal" is a reasonable approach. if you have a recurrent or persistent problem than removal is probably indicated. The later can be done as an office procedure under local anesthesia.

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Hello. From your photo, this looks consistent with a permanent suture working its way toward the surface, sometimes called suture extrusion. Although 16 years sounds surprising, permanent sutures can occasionally cause this type of issue many years after surgery.
I would not recommend pulling or cutting it yourself. I would have a plastic surgeon examine the area first and determine whether the exposed portion can simply be trimmed or whether the remaining suture should be removed.
If it is superficial and easily accessible, removal can often be performed with local anesthesia through a very small opening.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The suture can be clipped if it is not causing any irritation. There is no harm in this.  If it is causing issues you can visit your surgeon's office to have it removed.

Spitting stitch 16 years after TT - Should this be removed from my body? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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