Is this a problem? Hole in my incision growing larger and deeper but I have a line of stitches hanging out. (Photos)

Question

Hello, I asked a question about a week ago due to my trouble with my incision with my mini tummy tuck. I’m about 3 days away from a full month post op and I had a new problem arise. Not only is my hole in my incision growing larger and deeper but I have a line of stitcheshanging out (painful).I feel like I should not be having these problems a month post op. Also I did contact my surgeons office but they said I don’t need to be seen and just to let it heal. It’s not healing, just growing bigger.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear that you are having these problems.  The exposed suture material needs to be removed, and the opening should be able to heal with thoughtful wound care, measures to reduce the risk of infection, and good nutrition.  I would encourage you to follow up with your surgeon, but if they make themselves unavailable, find a plastic surgeon willing to help or search out a local wound care center.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

You have a wound separation. This is pretty common and can even happen this late in the process. Your wound needs to be evaluated by your plastic surgeon. Speak with them again and if they’re really not available inform them you will seek help with a wound care center or a second opinion with an available plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph and I am sorry to see your wound-healing difficulties. In cases of incision separation the initial wound can worsen a bit before your body starts to heal.  I would contact your surgeon to alert them of your issues so that they can offer you the best local wound care advice.  They will also want to remove the suture material that has started to hang.  Hope this helps.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You're are spitting out a suture and then wound may be getting larger from this or a possible infection. You do need to be seen and have a culture taken.

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and the photos. It looks clearly a wound healing problem that needs to be taken care of by your surgeon. If it is not attended it will not get better, best of luck

Is this a problem? Hole in my incision growing larger and deeper but I have a line of stitches hanging out. (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: DrDerby

Answer: DrDerby

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Everything you need to know about Mini Tummy Tuck

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Is this a problem? Hole in my incision growing larger and deeper but I have a line of stitches hanging out. (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: DrDerby

Answer: DrDerby

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mini Tummy Tuck

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