What Are These White Plastic Things Trying to Work Themselves out of my Skin?

Question

I had a belt lipectomy and arm lift done about 6 weeks ago. Now I have what would appear to be these white plastic U shaped things trying to work itself out of my skin. My incisions are healed. These white U shaped pieces are just under the skins surface. I can see them and feel them, if I touch them. What are these white pieces called? Do they dissolve or do I need to have them removed?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding what these white plastic things are trying to work themselves out of my skin.  Thank you for your history.  Your question is challenging to answer without visual aids or a physical examination.  Typically, items used during surgery that are plastic and U-shaped could be sutures and absorbable skin staples.  If these U-shaped items resemble threads, then they are likely sutures.  If they are white, U-shaped pieces and they feel like plastic, these are often dissolvable under-the-skin staples.  You should follow up with your plastic surgeon to determine exactly what these unusual U-shaped white pieces are and what needs to be done.  If they are exposed, typically these U-shaped white pieces are removed.  Thank you for your interesting question.  Good luck. If you have any further questions regarding the lower body lift, 360-degree circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, please consult with an experienced plastic surgeon.  Since the body lift is a significant procedure, it is recommended to seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing lower body lifts.  Do your research.  Ensure they have performed at least 100 circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before-and-after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before-and-after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced lower body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if necessary.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS, FASMBS (President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

These are Insorb staples that your surgeon used in lieu of sutures. They are made of a material also used for dissolving sutures. Typically they may take 3-6 months to dissolve, but it they come through to the surface or if they are bothersome, your surgeon can remove them in the office.
	Thanks, and best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Based on your description, it is likely that you are seeing absorbable  staples that were used for dermal/skin closure. These do dissolve or can be removed by your plastic surgeon.

	Best wishes.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Your surgeon may have used a stapling device and some of these staples are extruding through the skin?  The best person to direct your question is your plastic surgeon.  Best of luck.

	Dr. Basu

	Houston, TX

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

One assumes you have a surgeon who operated on you. Ask him/her, it is totally inappropriate to ask doctors who didn't operate on you.

What Are These White Plastic Things Trying to Work Themselves out of my Skin?

Answers (6)