Removed TT drain and now a stitch is stick inside, what do I do?

Question

I just removed my TT drains first one came out great. 2nd one drain had a stitch (black one not clear ones) that is stuck in my body I pulled and pulled but nothing, now since I pulled so much it’s shorter and deep in the hole, I’m thinking of using a razor blade to cut myself open to remove it - what other options do I have? My doctor is out of state

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI sparkle, You need to see your PS to have him/her remove the sutures. You should not be removing your own sutures.Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

I would have to agree with the previous Plastic Surgeon on out of state surgery.  While many of us offer surgery to patients out of town, we also try and arrange for drain removal, etc so that this does not happen.  I'm actually very surprised that your surgeon asked you to remove your own drains.  With that being said, if you now have a retained suture I suggest that you meet with a Plastic Surgeon in your area but also be prepared for them to charge you for their services since they are effectively taking care of another surgeon's postoperative care.  You could also see the Plastic Surgeon who actually performed your surgery since this really should be their responsibility since they did your surgery.I hope that helps and wish you the very best!Warmest regards,Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Ryan Hoffman, MD · Answer

Whether you doctor is out of state or not, they performed the surgery and they are responsible for getting you through the post operative issues. Contact their office and listen to their suggestions. At worst, you may have to go and visit your surgeon to remove the stitch. Something to take in consideration when planning surgeries with surgeons who are not close to you. In the long run a retained suture is not an emergency and would likely work itself to the surface.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, do not use any blades for this, I recommend you see a doctor near you to get it removed.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear SparkleMN,I would not suggest you to try to use razor in order to remove the drain. It would be best to find a board-certified plastic surgeon near you or go to the ER so they can check it and remove the drain properly. Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Justin P. Martin, MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend that you follow up with your surgeon to have this removed.  If this is not possible, please find a doctor in your area who would be willing to remove it.

Emese Kalnoki, MD · Answer

I would recommend you visit your primary care physician, an Urgent Care, or an ER to have the drain stitch removed properly.  This does not sound like an emergency, as often your body can take care of the suture by "pushing" it out with time.

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would highly advise against using a razor blade on your skin. There is a good chance that your body will naturally get rid of, or expel, the stitch with time. If you have tried using tweezers and that didn't work, then you may want to gently squeeze the area to see if you can perhaps work the stitch out. If you don't, however, it is likely not a big deal. Permanent stitches may cause a reaction later down the road, or they may not do anything. You can always go to an urgent care in your area to see if they can assist you. Best of luck.

Removed TT drain and now a stitch is stick inside, what do I do?

Answers (8)

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