Scab came off incision after shower this morning and left an opening, looks like it has pus in it. Should I be worried? (Photo)

Question

5 weeks post op mommy makeover. Is this a spitting stitch or something else?

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your question and your pictures. Sorry to hear you are having some problems. This is likely due to inflammation and perhaps superficial infection around a suture. You should call the surgeon who performed your procedure and notify him or her. They may want to see you in the office and examine you. They may also want to treat you with local wound care, topical antibiotics, or systemic antibiotics depending on their preferences. Once these are open and draining, I tend to just have patients treat these with topical antibiotic ointment until they heal. Very rarely do they cause a significant problem and most of them heal up without you noticing anything in the long run.Good luck to you!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

The yellow film often found under a scab is called fibrin which is part of healing tissue.  There is not surrounding redness so you don't have an infection.  With any incision concerns, you should always discuss them with your surgeon as they can see you in person.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

I recommend consulting your PS for
specific instructions on this matter. In the meantime, keep the area clean and
covered. Best regards.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

From the picture it looks as though you may have a small stitch abscess. This is treated by keeping the area clean and covered with an emollient. Specific directions however should come from your own surgeon.

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Visit you board certified plastic surgeon to have them assess your healing. You should keep the area clean with soap and water and use some ointment in the meantime.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and excellent picture.  You probably had a small suture spit out. It should heal over well, please call your plastic surgeon to discuss.  Godd Luck.

Scab came off incision after shower this morning and left an opening, looks like it has pus in it. Should I be worried? (Photo)

Answers (12)

Answer: Minor wound problems common after the abdominoplasty part of a mommy makeover.

Answer: Minor wound problems common after the abdominoplasty part of a mommy makeover.

Answer: Healing

Answer: Healing

Answer: Scab on stitch

Answer: Scab on stitch

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Scab came off incision after shower this morning and left an opening, looks like it has pus in it. Should I be worried? (Photo)

Answers (12)

Answer: Minor wound problems common after the abdominoplasty part of a mommy makeover.

Answer: Minor wound problems common after the abdominoplasty part of a mommy makeover.

Answer: Healing

Answer: Healing

Answer: Scab on stitch

Answer: Scab on stitch

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.