Can permanent suctures cause pain?

Question

I have permanent sutures in my upper abdomen since my surgery I been having stabbing constant pain is this normal?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  It is possible that sutures can cause prolonged pain as a result of irritation to surrounding nerves but much of this diagnosis would depend on your timing from surgery.  In the first 2-3 months after a tummy tuck many patients will have discomfort and soreness due to their muscle repair which gradually improves.  If it has been longer than this I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically this does not cause pain, especially in the long term.  It is not clear when you had your surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This can be part of the healing process, but some times permanent sutures may cause pain.Kenneth Hughes, MD

James E. Hardy, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for the question. It is possible to have pain related to suture used for muscle repair but unlikely in the long term. How long has it been since your operation? If its been a few days or weeks, give this time and it should resolve. If its been a few years then you should have this evaluated. Best of Luck - Dr. Hardy...

Justin P. Martin, MD, FACS · Answer

This may be due to the internal plication sutures but it is difficult to say for sure.  If you are experiencing this discomfort in the early post-surgical period, I would give it some time, as symptoms such as this usually resolve over the first month or so.  If it has been several months or more since your surgery, this would need to be addressed.  Either way, I would make your plastic surgeon aware of your concerns.  Best of luck!

Scott D. Green, MD · Answer

Usually sutures do not cause long-term pain.  That being said when somebody has a large procedure like a tummy tuck many things can occur which could cause some long term discomfort. For example when a tummy tuck is performed many small sensory nerves are cut. Most of these nerves grow back  and re-innervate the overlying skin and fatty tissue. Some of these nerves however can form what we referred to as a Naroma.  Neuromas tend to occur around Heavily scarred areas such as an incision site or where permanent sutures have been placed. These are very uncommon situations but can occur. Also stitches can in trap small slips of muscle or small nerves which can lead to some long-term pain.  Unfortunately your surgeon cannot always identify these situations so that they can be avoided. Other times scar and sutures can be close to the skin irritating the skin in that area. I do see this on occasion in the very slender patients.  In those cases to try and avoid these types of problems I will often use a larger  Long term absorbable suture that will eventually go away and therefore hopefully limit long-term pain problems. I hope this helps

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

There are many reasons why patients, post tummy tuck surgery, can have discomfort. Much depends on how long out of surgery you are… Having said that, occasionally patients who do have longer-term abdominal wall discomfort after tummy tuck surgery may have suture related pain (for example a neuroma).   Best to follow up with your plastic surgeon who, knowing your history and able to examine you, will be your best resource when it comes to more specific assessment/advice.Best wishes.

Can permanent suctures cause pain?

Answers (7)

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