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.

Sometimes the dissolvable sutures can find their way through the skin. Typically they can be removed and the healing typically should be uneventful. 

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.

Suture extrusion is a very common nuisance in tummy tucks that occurs many months after the procedure. They often appear as small bumps or lumps that get inflamed and may even get like a pimple and drain. Once the suture end sticks out from the incision, it will not dissolve once exposed to the air. It is best that it is removed to prevent any further inflammation. Your doctor will be able to remove it quite easily in the office.