Stitch in belly button after Lipo: is it normal for the stitch to come apart so soon?

Question

I had fluid leaking out of the incision yesterday. Is it normal for the stitch to come apart so soon? I’m 2 weeks post op

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Yes this is common and not to worry that small incision will close on its own, follow up with your PS to discuss your concerns.best of luck.

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your picture and question.  Having the suture come apart can happen but you should follow up with your Dr. to see what's going on.  Its normal to leak but it should only last 24-48 hours.Best of luck to you.

Joshua Kreithen, MD · Answer

Dear Bdldonenow,
Best thing to do is get evaluated by your PS in the next day or two.  Hope this helps and good luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, this can be typical. I recommend following up with your surgeon. Keep in mind, you will have swelling, which can last 3-6 months after your procedure. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

It’s a pleasure to answer this question. Leaking fluid 2 weeks after liposuction is not normal. Most often, the sutures are removed before 2 weeks. I suggest you get seen by your PS to address your concerns in person. Good luck. Dr. Aldo

Renee Burke, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is common to experience some drainage of fluid after liposuction in the initial postoperative period. This drainage can result in loosening of the sutures as well. I recommend you continue close follow up with your plastic surgeon to assess your incisions and make sure she / he feels you are healing appropriately.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I do not use stiches with liposuction so the fluid can drain out the incisions during the first few days. Please see your surgeon to make sure you are not having an infection, and to remove the stitch.

Andrew P. Ordon, MD · Answer

Hi,
You really need to see and contact your surgeon regarding any of your surgery related questions.

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

You look like you are having some wound healing issues.  It is normal for fluid to leak the first day or two after liposuction but not after that.  Call your doctor that did the procedure to be evaluated in person.  If you smoke, stop as that can interfere with wound healing.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

Sometimes the skin edges are damaged from the friction of the liposuction cannula causing this. Usually simple keeping it clean and applying topical antibiotic ointment until your follow-up is adequate. Typically your sutures should be able to be removed by the end of the first week.

Stitch in belly button after Lipo: is it normal for the stitch to come apart so soon?

Answers (11)

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