Will this heal after I accidentally pulled out my stitches? (Photo)

Question

I am 5 weeks post op from my breast augmentation, and while putting on lotion, I pulled on what I thought was a very loose, flakey scab around my incision. Turns out I removed a 1-inch clear suture! Do I need to be concerned about infection at this point? I examined my breast in the mirror and my incision has the finest, tiniest hole but I’m not sure how deep it goes. Agh! Do I need to go in ASAP or is this something that will heal up quickly?

Kirk Moore, MD · Answer

After 5 weeks you should be healed. It seems the suture was not fully dissolved and when you pulled on it all of it came out. Sometimes it just takes longer for the suture to dissolve.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question. At five weeks post op your incisions should be healed. This was most  likely a spitting stitch. It should be fine. Contact your surgeon with any concerns. Best wishes!

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. At 5 weeks post-op, your incision should be completely healed, and it is very unlikely that pulling one suture would do any harm. It's hard to say from the picture, but I don't see anything alarming. It's always best to see your surgeon to be sure. Best,Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
Johns Hopkins-trained double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  It appears you pulled part of a dissolving/spitting  suture, but your incision looks to be healing.  At 5 weeks your incision should be healed enough that removal of a spitting stitch doesn't affect the final healing process.  It is always good to check with your surgeon about any questions you may have.  Best wishes.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and they 'fall out', there really should be nothing to worry about unless you have drainage or signs of infection at the incision.  Your photo suggests all is well so I would not be concerned with your history and photo.  And you can always call your surgeon if still concerned.

Rachel Ford, MD · Answer

Hello,
Congratulations on your recent surgery. At 5 weeks, your incision should be healed. It is doubtful that removing a stitch will cause problems. Sometimes stitches become closer to the surface of the skin and "spit" over time, but shouldn't cause major issues. If you have any concerns, please contact your surgeon. Best of luck!
Dr Ford

Neil T. Chen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. As previous doctors have indicated, the incision has generally well healed by now.  Your physician may have used permanent or dissolvable sutures. You may want to have it checked one more time.

Will this heal after I accidentally pulled out my stitches? (Photo)

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