Is this seroma? Abscess? Spitting suture? Do I need surgery to clean out a possible infected suture? (Photos)

Question

It's been 6 wks since my mm. It's been 2 wks that I've been having leaking from my navel (& looks like a tiny opening upper left corner) . Went to PS last week and took a culture which came back with 3 bacterias including staph, ecoli. Had a u/s that showed a 3mm seroma build-up. I have been given Keflex (4× day) cipro (×2 day) and oxycodene * for pain is 7/10. PS said it's a seroma but can be a suture that is infected and needs to be cleaned out? What other imaging would I have to do to know this?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your belly button difficulties.  Most likely your symptoms are the result of a stitch abscess that can be treated by your surgeon the next time you are in the office by removal of the suture.  This should allow your healing to move in a positive direction. Hope this helps.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI,  Your surgeon appears to be doing everything correctly at this point. Sometimes it takes longer than expected to heal from this complication.If your surgeon continues to follow you along closely, he/she will determine the best time for further surgery.Good Luck!Dr. Christien Rodgers

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, your surgeon appears to be aggressively treating your condition.  I am not sure without examining you if anyone else can advise  further imaging. I wish you a speedy recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jujubuju,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice. Based on your description, it sounds like your plastic surgeon is doing his best. Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

jujubuju.  Sorry you’re having this problem but it sounds like your plastic surgeon is on top of the situation. Often times dissolvable sutures are rejected (spit out) by the body prior to being dissolved and causes localized infections similar to the one you are experiencing. The treatment is antibiotics and warm soaks and possibly opening the incision to remove the suture, however as a last resort. Stay in contact with your plastic surgeon and continue to follow wound care advice. It should get better with time, try to stay patient. Best of luck.

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

This is not an uncommon problem & it is better that the fluid is coming out, than staying in.  3mm is very small.  As long as you are not becoming increasingly unwell with fevers or worsening pain, then it is best to follow your surgeon's advice.  They know best what they have down inside!. Take care. Kim

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of your issues after surgery.  It sounds like your surgeon is handling the situation well.  I recommend continuing to follow his/her advice and keep all follow up appointments.  It doesn't seem further imaging is necessary at this point.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Sorry you're having complications.  I believe your Plastic Surgeon is following you very closely and correctly.  Seromas and stitch issues are always difficult situations but remedied with proper treatment.I would follow your plastic surgeons advice.  Hope that your belly heals quickly.Dr T

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Your surgeon should be monitor your healing.  It could be an infected suture that did not dissolve and needs to be removed.  Continue taking your antibiotics as prescribed and see your surgeon.

Is this seroma? Abscess? Spitting suture? Do I need surgery to clean out a possible infected suture? (Photos)

Answers (9)