Is This a Suture Abscess? Or Infection? (photo)

Question

Im 4 weeks post FTT. I went to see my doctor last week because I notice that a small part of my incision was open and red and had a bit of pus, and a stitch was coming out and it was hurting a lot. The Dr. said it was normal and not to put anything on it. and he will see me in a week. I have an appointmet this coming thursday but I wanted to get a 2nd opinion. I'm starting to get worried cause a week has passed and it is still the same. Something else my Dr says I don't have to wear a girdle.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with Dr. Gottlieb.  It appears that what is coming out in your suture line is an Insorb staple.  Many plastic surgeons, myself included, use Insorb to hold wounds together.  These are dissolvable staples which sometimes fail to dissolve and have to be removed after surgery.  When stitches or dissolvable staples come to the surface (technically known as spitting), they bring with them the white blood cells that are attempting to dissolve them.  The dissolving suture or staple plus the white blood cells lead to sterile pus and redness (inflammation).  I say sterile pus because all the elements of pus are there, but no bacteria. 

	Each surgeon has his or her own technique for dealing with stitch or staple absesses.  Your suture line opening will ultimately heal.  With reference to the girdle, I have my patients stop wearing the girdle at 2 weeks, so your doctor telling you not to wear it at 4 weeks makes perfect sense to me.

Yucel Sarialtin, MD · Answer

The best thing you can do is visit  your surgeon.
based on the photos you shared, what I can appreciate is a  local intolerance at a stitch case.It is not an authentic infection. They do not need surgical or even urgent medical treatment. They are not accompanied by infection of the wound or cause it to open. If you notice that, after about 2 weeks, and until almost 2 months (it can happen at any time until the stitch are reabsorbed, but never before the first 2 weeks), suddenly you see a small area more indurated and sensitive, even a little red after a few days, without fever or local heat just a little inflammation at a particular stitch, or one day when lifting dressings or plaster are stained with a little pus and blood, the rest of the wound Well, do not be alarmed, it is an intolerable stitch without more. It will not complicate. 
good luck!!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for questions regarding a suture abscess or an infection. From your limited history and several pictures, it appears that it is indeed a suture abscess. Strictly speaking, an abscess is an infection. So the answer to your question is that, in my opinion, you do have a suture abscess and a small localized infection.  It appears that your body is rejecting one of the sutures and it is coming through the skin. By far, the majority of these types of situations or resolve on their own. However, if the suture is sticking out, the suture needs to be removed. Usually, a topical and oral antibiotic also helps the situation. It is very important that you follow up with your plastic surgeon regarding the treatment of this wound. Every plastic surgeon has their different way of treating patients and performing surgery. There is no standard way of performing a tummy tuck, and there is no standard for post-operative garments. However, in my practice, I have all my patients wear a compression garment. The compression garment is worn for at least 6 to 8 weeks after a tummy tuck. When considering plastic surgery, please seek can experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. I hope that I have answered your questions regarding a suture abscess. If you have any more questions regarding suture abscess or plastic surgery, please call my office.
  Sincerely,Dr. Katzen

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

A suture abscess is a localized infection. Typical treatment is removal of the suture. In the photo on the left I can see what looks like a fragment of an Insorb staple, though it could be a suture. Your surgeon will most likely want to remove it at your visit. 

	Thanks and best wishes.

Is This a Suture Abscess? Or Infection? (photo)

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Is This a Suture Abscess? Or Infection? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Is This a Suture Abscess? Or Infection?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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