Spitting stitches 1.5 years post tummy tuck - Is this normal? (photos)

Thank you for your question regarding sutures surfacing five years after your procedure. Based on your history and images, it appears you are experiencing suture rejection. This can happen when permanent sutures, which are commonly used to tighten the rectus abdominis or "six-pack" muscles during a tummy tuck, become infected or rejected by the body.
In my opinion, treatment should be aggressive when this occurs. An incision should be made over the emerging wound, and the problematic suture should be located and removed. The condition doesn't necessitate a complete redo of your procedure, but each surfacing suture should be dealt with promptly and decisively.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Hello and thank you for your question! Spitting sutures are a frustrating post op possibility in plastic surgery and the course/severity of issues really depends on the timing and type of suture material used. If permanent suture material was used and you are experiencing chronic, recurrent issues far out after surgery not resolved by measures such as antibiotics and local wound care therapy, there is a chance you may need a revision procedure to remove the remaining suture material. I recommend following up with your surgeon as they would know the type of suture material used, and/or a second opinion from a board certified plastic surgeon.

This may be due to underlying sutures that have become infected. I would recommend debriding the wounds down to the offending material and removing it otherwise this will continue.

Having recurrent oozing from the belly button can occur after tummy tuck surgery. Most commonly, it is related to bacteria attaching to the permanent suture that was used to bring the tummy muscles together. I would recommend seeing your surgeon for evaluation.

It sounds like some of the permanent sutures have become infected or colonized with bacteria. So sorry that happened but this likely won't fix itself. Your surgeon may need to clean this area out. Make an appointment to discuss this situation with your surgeon right away. Good luck!

Dear Practical171758,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

No, this is not normal this far out from surgery. perhaps these are not dissolving stitches, but permanent. However, I have removed dissolvable stitches at never dissolved 5 years out from surgery from an ankle.

Thank you for your question. What you most probably have is an infected stitch used to tighten your muscles. Unforturnately this can only be remedied by removing the stitch surgically.

Non dissolvable sutures used for rectus plication can loosen and spit. For this reason I favour a dissolvable v lock suture.

From the description of your problem and the photos, this does not look like a simple spitting suture. You have multiple wounds, which may be infected and have not healed properly. This can be due to infected permanent sutures in the midline. I recommend seeing your surgeon, or a board-certified plastic surgeon if yours is no longer available. You should be seen soon to start treatment and keep the wounds from getting worse. There should be no oozing/open wounds 1.5 years after a normal tummy tuck. Good luck!