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!

James Shoukas, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Depending on the type of absorbable suture used by your surgeon this is not unheard of.  Some sutures last longer than others and while dissolving can come to the surface. It is always best to continue to follow up with your operative plastic surgeon so that he or she may examine you and reassure you.  Best of luck

Jorge Jiménez Toribio, MD · Answer

Hi dear, thank you for your question!
It shouldn't be a problem if the sutures are done correctly however it may happen to every patient. What matters is the scar's appearance and try to maintain it as clean as possible. It depends also on the doctor's practice and how your body reacts during the healing process so don't need to worry if you have his/her approval. 
Hope this helps!
Dr. Jiménez Toribio 
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

Diane I. Duncan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question! This is very normal; patients range from full acceptance of sutures (no spitting) to full rejection (every. single. one. spits.). We usually see spitting start around 3 weeks post-op, all the way to 6-8 months.  EveryBODY is incredibly unique and different (sometimes we have just one side that spits and the other fully accepts). I'm sorry you're having to deal with the hassle but it is totally normal! Best of luck!

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

It is not unusual to spit sutures at 6 months post op, although I do not see that often.  What matters is the scar's appearance and try to maintain it as clean as possible.

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

Answers (9)