Dissolvable stitches after tt coming through 5 weeks post

Question

I have 2 or 3 spots that looked [RS bleep]. I poked at it and they seem to be a thicker white substance not like puss coming out. Can some stitches pop through but be practically disolved already? I tried to find a stitch but no luck so far. I dont want to cause issues digging around

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your tummy tuck procedure.  What you are describing sounds like what we term "spitting sutures".  This happens when part of the suture knot pushes thru the incision line prior to dissolving.  Usually the pustules are not a sign of infection but it would be best to have your plastic surgeon evaluate.  I would also agree with you not digging in there to find the sutures.  This would be best performed by your plastic surgeon.Good luck.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

They are internal stitched of long resorption time, normally they dissolve during the second month, so you are in time for such issue.The pus is normally non-septic, it is just inflammatory liquid without bacteria, but please do address this issue to your surgeon.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Without photos- it is impossible to comment accurately. It is best to go back to your operating surgeon and be evaluated.

Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

You most like have what is know as a stitch abscess or a spitting stitch.  Often they open on their own, drain and go away. See your surgeon, they can easily take care of it.Yours,Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACSPlastic SurgeryNewport Beach, CA

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

What is happening to you sounds more like a stitch or thread reaction and the fluid does not seem to be pus and does not represent infection. Our bodies are so wise, that if something is bothering will cause a extra-reaction to help to eliminate it or absorb it, and that fluid appears. It is yellow-white, thick, sticky, and the most important: no smell. So please do not panic. You just need to clean up those spots twice a day, add Neosporin and cover. Be very careful with the cleaning of your hands every single time you handle your incision. Be encouraged. Dr. Cardenas

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear mommybof5It is possible that you have small "stitch abscesses". Suture abscesses are generally small and self limited. I would call your doctors office and see him this week. He can likely remove any superficial ones and or give you care instructions for new ones. I've seen these occur as early as 3-4 weeks post surgery and even as late as one year.

Robert M. Kachenmeister, MD · Answer

What you are describing is normal after a tummy tuck. These absorbable sutures that work their way to the surface before they have dissolved result in small pustular areas that are not true 'infections' but merely small collections of white blood cells doing their job trying to digest the suture material. Have your doctor keep a close eye on these and resist the temptation to dig them out yourself. Best of luck,Dr K

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. What you are describing can occur after tummy tuck surgery. This is usually related to absorbable sutures that “come to the surface” and drain ("stitch abscess").   The process is generally “self-limited” and does not cause any long-term negative effect on your outcome. You are correct in that it is best not to “dig around”;  continue close follow-up with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Dissolvable stitches after tt coming through 5 weeks post

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