Is it normal to be spitting stitches 6 months post op?

Question

I am 6 months post op from a breast augmentation and lift. I “spit” several sutures over the past few months, but it stopped about 6 weeks ago. Now I have another very irritated spot along my incision line that looks identical to when I started initially spitting sutures. Is it normal to still be spitting stitches 6 months post op? I’ve seen my doctor many times and so far, everything seems to be healing fine, no infections etc.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

While most absorbable sutures dissolve within 8 weeks it is possible for some sutures to spit later. To be sure there is nothing else contributing check in again with your PS. If it is just spitting of superficial sutures eventually it should resolve on its own.Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi mbt1983 , Spitting sutures is normal as the body rejects certain types of sutures used during surgery. You have to closely follow up with your surgeon regarding this and make sure there are no infections and other complications. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. It is not unusual to have retained sutures this far out, depending on the suture material that was used. Please have your surgeon evaluate. Best,Pejman Aflaki, M.D.Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!You may have a permanent stitch in place that is causing problems at this point. Any chance your surgeon cinched the nipple areola with a suture? You should check with your plastic surgeon.Best of luck!

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

It can be normal, depending on how your body reacts to absorbable sutures.  If repeated infections or abscesses occur, it's wise to rule out mycobacterium infection which can cause late infections and requires a tissue biopsy.  best wishes!

Is it normal to be spitting stitches 6 months post op?

Answers (9)

Answer: Suture issue 6 months out

Answer: Suture issue 6 months out

Answer: Spitting sutures at 6 months

Answer: Spitting sutures at 6 months

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Is it normal to be spitting stitches 6 months post op?

Answers (9)

Answer: Suture issue 6 months out

Answer: Suture issue 6 months out

Answer: Spitting sutures at 6 months

Answer: Spitting sutures at 6 months

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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