Tummy Tuck Stitches Still Present After 5 Months

Question

I had a full Tummy Tuck on Oct 17, 2008. Five months later, I still have stitches on my hips. My plastic surgeon says maybe next month they'll come out, but they hurt very much when I wear pants. Is this normal? Also, when my drains were being removed, they got stuck somehow and my surgeon had to undo stitches to remove the drain, and then he restitched after he pulled out the drain. It was so painful! What should I do? He doesn't even want to see me for another month! Can they become infected? Thanks!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for reaching out with your concern about experiencing pain related to sutures five months after undergoing a tummy tuck. It's understandable that this situation would be a cause for concern.
Your plastic surgeon is the best resource in this scenario, as they are familiar with the specifics of your surgery, including what type of sutures were used. Sutures vary; some dissolve within days, others may take up to nine months, and some are permanent. The fact that the sutures are still causing pain does not necessarily mean they need to be removed immediately.
Your plastic surgeon's recommendation to wait before considering suture removal is valuable. It's true that sutures can occasionally get infected, but this is relatively rare. The pain you're experiencing could be a normal part of the healing process, especially if the sutures are of the type that takes longer to dissolve or are permanent.
The procedure to remove drains, which often involves sutures, can sometimes be associated with discomfort. In deciding whether or not to remove sutures, wound healing and the potential for wound dehiscence (reopening) are critical factors to consider.
I encourage you to continue following your plastic surgeon's advice. Pain and the duration that the sutures have been in place are not always indications that they should be removed. It's essential to ensure that the wound has healed adequately and there's minimal risk of it reopening before proceeding with any suture removal.
I hope this information has been helpful in addressing your concerns about the painful and exposed sutures following your tummy tuck. Wishing you a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

A variety of different sutures are used in the course of abdominoplasty with different resorption times. Also different individual absorb the same sutures at different rates. If your surgeon states that they will be absorbed, I would believe him/her and give it time. It is rare for them to get truly infected. IF they should suddenly become red, swollen, tender or warm, you should notify your surgeon.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

It is highly unusual to have external stitches 5 months post surgery. Dissolving sutures may take up nine months; however, the norm is much shorter. Speak with your surgeon's medical staff for clarification on what postoperative care you should be doing at this point. They may want to bring you in to review.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

After 5 months, the sutures that you have should probably have dissolved if they are absorbable. If they are not check with your doctor.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Tummy tucks are a terrific way to re-contour the abdomen. During this surgery, we typically use resorbable sutures in the deep layers of your tissue and in the superficial layer of your skin. These sutures can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months to dissolve on their own. Your best bet is to continue with deep massage to these areas to help the body breakup this suture material.

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Tummy Tuck Stitches Still Present After 5 Months

Answers (8)