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!

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  It is hard to tell from a photo what exactly you have going on, so you should see your surgeon to ensure that you don't have an infection.  All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

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.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

It's most likely a stitch abscess, but check with your plastic surgeon to make sure you don't also need an antibiotic.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a great question for you
to discuss directly with your plastic surgeon.  He or she will appreciate
the open communication. 
Best to you.  –Dr. Coan.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes you have a very small localized infection to where a suture was and it should resolve.  But it is best to let your PS be aware of your issue.

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)

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