9 months post-op- Is it normal to still be "spitting" stitches only on one side with a thigh lift?

Question

9 months ago, I had an arm lift, breast implants, and a thigh lift done at the same time. Everything was healing fine but then I did a little too much and ripped the stitches on my left thigh. I had to go get the area restitched and have them removed a week or so after. Approx. 3 months after surgery, the left side started "spitting" stitches. I have pulled 10-12 full stitches out every few weeks since then. 3 just this week. Everything else healed fine. Is this normal?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding spitting stitches from your thigh. Considering your circumstances, I think this is normal. It is essential for patients to minimize their activity after a thigh lift. What you described is not uncommon. I've had many patients over the past 20 years do too much and rip their thigh incisions. This can lead to chronic infection and wound breakdown, resulting in prolonged healing and even spitting of sutures. The spitting of sutures depends on several things. Primarily it depends on the type of suture that is used. Absorbable sutures should dissolve. However, some sutures dissolve within several weeks; some take several months. Then there are permanent sutures that never dissolve. It depends on what kind of sutures your plastic surgeon used during your initial, medial thigh lift and during the repair. Also, the sutures can become infected, and your body tries to eject the suture. A third possibility is that your sutures have become infected, and your body is trying to REJECT them. All in all, this is not uncommon, and you will just have to await the sutures as they come to the surface. Eventually, it will stop. Thank you for your question regarding sutures that keep spitting after a medial thigh lift after too much activity.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. ("Verified" Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Since your left thigh incision had to be revised it doesn't seem concerning that sutures are coming to the surface later.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon as well.

9 months post-op- Is it normal to still be "spitting" stitches only on one side with a thigh lift?

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9 months post-op- Is it normal to still be "spitting" stitches only on one side with a thigh lift?

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Everything you need to know about Thigh Lift

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