Purple wire like string from below incision? (photo)

Question

There is a purple wire/string coming from below my incision and I'm not sure if it's a stitch or something more? It's about 2 times the thickness of an ear ring post! Eek!! Help??

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears that one of your PDS sutures is sticking out from your repair.  This is a "spitting suture" and recommend seeing your surgeon so it can be trimmed.

Kelly Gallego, MD, FACS · Answer

From the photos, it likes you are dealing with an exposed stitch, a.k.a. suture material.  Plastic surgeons use a wide variety of dissolvable and permanent sutures.  This could be either.  Regardless, it can be taken care of in a matter of seconds by your plastic surgeon.  The exposed portion will be grasped and then trimmed at or just below the level of the skin.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

You appear to be necessitating a retained Prolene suture. This is something that you should show to your own plastic surgeon.

Luis Macias, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Sumer,It looks like a stitch that needs to be removed.  Go see your plastic surgeon so that they can remove it for you. Best of luck.

Tiffany McCormack, MD · Answer

As stated previously, very obviously a prolene or PDS suture that made its way through the skin.  Your surgeon can trim this in the office very easily.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Dear Sumer,Thank you for your post.  You have a large tail of a suture sticking out.  This needs to be removed by your surgeon.  schedule an appt to see him.Best wishes, Pablo Prichard, MD

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, you are probably dealing with a stitch ( and a very unusual situation); best to have your plastic surgeon remove it for you. Best wishes.

Michael S. Hopkins, MD (retired) · Answer

As others have indicated, you have a suture end sticking out of the incision.  This is not a disaster and, most likely, is just a suture end that needs to be trimmed in the office by your surgeon.  Best to give him or her a call.

Purple wire like string from below incision? (photo)

Answers (8)

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