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.

Spitting stitches can happen but from your photos and description it appears something else may be occurring. I encourage you to visit with your surgeon for an evaluation. You may have an infection that needs to be addressed so the areas can properly heal.

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.