Is it normal to have drainage from spitting stitches? 6 wks post TT. (photos)

Question

I’m 6 weeks post op of a I don’t know the name of the tummy tuck I got it’s an upside down T at 3 weeks I got echar on by the pubic area my Dr told me to massage it with Vaseline to remove it 2 a day till it came off I did. Underneath it I had spitting stitch’s I’ve battling with this for 3 weeks she did tell me it could take 3 months to heal she did take the stitches out! No smell no infection just draining I’ve been putting xerofoam and keeping it covered with a gauze.

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would continue to follow the advice of your surgeon. Based on the appearance of your wound however, it would heal more quickly if the white material were removed. This can be done in the office. Good luck with the process and make sure to stay in contact with your surgeon, so that they can give you specific recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear  julia0115,this type of wound is not uncommon after tummy tuck. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. It can take few weeks or months for wound to fully heal. Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

yes. IT is not at all unusual for this. Keep the areas clean and dry and make sure you keep regular follow up with your surgeon at all times.  The area where the wound looks like it is breaking down will need more time to heal.  Be patient. Hope this helps.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have a spitting suture after a tummy tuck, keep the area dry with the clean gauze and continue to follow up with your PS.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

at the junction of the incisions and good wound care, including debridement of the yellow material is required for the healing to commence.  This will heal but its much quicker when the junk is removed from the wound.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

These "T" areas are under tension and can open as yours has.  They take time to heal, but usually do so with good results.  Continue to follow the advice of your surgeon and try to be patient.  Report any changes or concerns to your surgeon.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear you are battling a small wound. This is not that uncommon and you are doing all of the right things. This will end up healing and you will be amazed how good it will look. Keep up with your surgeon regularly. Best wishes

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos.  It appears that the area in question is struggling a  bit to heal.  This can be asa a result of a number of factors including:-not enough blood supply-too much tension-infection-suture issues/reactionThere are a number of ways to care for these wounds and most are conservative not requiring surgery.  Wet to dry dressing changes may help debride that area and help it heal a little quicker.Your plastic surgeon will be able to guide you along the recovery process.Good luck with your recovery.

Emese Kalnoki, MD · Answer

It is very normal to have some spitting sutures after a tummy tuck.  It looks like you have a small area of wound breakdown where your two incisions meet along your lower abdomen.  This can be normal and takes some time to heal - usually about 3 months.  Final results are not seen for at least 6 months to a year.  Good luck.  Keep following up with your plastic surgeon.

Aric Aghayan, MD · Answer

Thank your for submitting your question and also for providing photos. It is not uncommon to have some healing issues like you are experiencing with tummy tucks, but it is especially challenging when you have a T-incision because the corners of the T have even more compromised blood flow. Your plastic surgeon is correct that it will heal, but it will take a few months. Have patience and continue to follow up closely with your surgeon. Good luck.

Is it normal to have drainage from spitting stitches? 6 wks post TT. (photos)

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