Are spitting sutures common? Why do some patients get them and some don't ? (photos)

Question

I have had 2 now . One post surgery one month and one post surgery 2.5 months

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Spitting sutures are common.  Some people do some people don't.  It also has to do with how superficial each and every suture is placed.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Spiting stitches is not a common phenomena but it does happen in some patients.Spitting stitches means the body starts rejecting the stitches before they dissolve.Spiting stitches is not a big problem. In my practice a few percentage of patients "spit" the stitches. When that happens, I ask the patient to follow up in consultation. If the stick is very superficial, it might be removed in the office.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Yes, this is a common occurence. Best to see your operating surgeon if you are still concerned or notice any drainage or foul odor. Good luck!

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

Yes, it is common, especially when placed near the surface.  Some of these sutures don’t quite dissolve, and the body encapsulates them and then tries to get rid of them. These sutures may be seen to be “spitting” out of the wound. As everyone is different, this may not always be the case. True allergic reactions are rare, but they can happen. Please see your plastic surgeon for appropriate treatment. For spitting sutures, your plastic surgeon will usually be able to take these out as they get to the surface. Please let him/her do this.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Spitting stitches can occur.  I would recommend obtaining an appointment with your plastic surgeon for further evaluation.  Best of luck to you!

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi sabaYes!  I have been fighting with spitting sutures for close to 30 years.  The problem is that we want to use deep sutures for layered closure without leaving railroad tracks.  Over the years, suture material has improved, however they can still work themselves up to the surface and become inflamed.  Eventually this will stop.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problems you have experienced; unfortunate, spitting sutures" can occur somewhat frequently after tummy tuck surgery.  Keeping in mind, that a large number of sutures are utilized during the procedure it is not too surprising that a few come to the surface or cause an immune response. Occasionally, if the deeper sutures are involved (sutures used to plicate  the abdominal muscles), removal of the entire length of muscle plication sutures becomes necessary. Best wishes.

Fred Hackney, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.Spitting sutures, while not all that common, are not cause for alarm. What is happening here is your body sees the stitch as a foreign object and is trying to remove it by pushing it out. Keep your follow up appointments and be sure to let your surgeon know if you have any concerns with healing.  Best of luck in your recovery!

Are spitting sutures common? Why do some patients get them and some don't ? (photos)

Answers (8)

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