Spitting sutures after breast reduction w/implants. Do I show signs of an infection? (Photos)

Question

Hello, I am currently 6 weeks post-op from a breast reduction with gummy implants. I seem to be spitting stitches and have been doing so for about 4 weeks. I have been in contact with my surgeon and he reassured me that everything is fine, and my body is just trying to get rid of stitches and that I do not show signs of infection. I am, however, very anxious as I seem to have elevated skin inside the wound. I would just like a second opinion. Thank you in advance.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

It does not appear that you have an infection. But it does look like either there is too much tension on the closure or that the vascular supply to the skin is compromised. Most likely, this will proceed on to healing without an infection, but I believe that the scarring will be worse than expected. You may want to talk with your surgeon about the options for scar revision once things are completely healed several months down the road.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Splitting sutures and suture abscesses can occur and should be removed or at least evaluated by the surgeon.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

You have a lot of tension on the suture closure which should be monitored closely by your plastic surgeon.  These types of issues tend to look a lot worse than they really area and often heal without any concern.

Tarek V. Copty, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Nabilla30, 
It does not appear that you have an infection however you have a lot of tension on the incision and decreased vascularity to the tissue. In patients who may have compromised wound healing due to smoking or diabetes I often pretreat these patients with hyperbaric oxygen treatments.  You can discuss with your surgeon if this is available near you as an option to help promote faster wound healing. 
Best regards, 
Tarek V. Copty, MD FACS
American Board of Surgery 
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery 
Jordanian Board of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Fellow, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery 
Fellow, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons

Spitting sutures after breast reduction w/implants. Do I show signs of an infection? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Spitting Sutures After Breast Reduction With Implants

Answer: Spitting Sutures After Breast Reduction With Implants

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Spitting sutures after breast reduction w/implants. Do I show signs of an infection? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Spitting Sutures After Breast Reduction With Implants

Answer: Spitting Sutures After Breast Reduction With Implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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