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

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.

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

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.