Tip of Suture Sticking out of Tummy Tuck Incision, is This Normal?

It is very common to have subcuticular sutures turn over and have their ends come out through the skin.  They were placed upside down with the ends going downward, but the healing forces turn them over, and when they come through the skin, it is technically called "spitting".  These will not dissolve because there is no moisture around to help them dissolve.   Therefore, they need to be removed.  Please make an appointment to see your plastic surgeon and have them removed. 

Here in Hawaii, this becomes a particularly big problem because we have a lot of bacteria in the ocean, and if one goes swimming while these are sticking out, it becomes a route of entry for bacteria.  I tell all my patients, if they see a stitch spitting, they have to come in right away to my office, and to stay away from pools or the beach because it may lead to an infection.

It is very common for a suture tip to work its way through the skin surface. It is taken care of quickly and easily in your surgeon's office. Simply call them to let them know about it.

Thanks for your question. Absorbable sutures sometimes spit or come to the surface, this is fairly common and is not alarming.  Your surgeon's office can remove them for you.