When plastic surgeons perform abdominoplasty surgery it’s not unusual for them to use absorbable sutures or sutures that dissolve.
These sutures are chosen for both their biologic and mechanical characteristics. The ideal suture is strong enough and last long enough to prevent spread of the scar.
Once the wound has reached its maximal strength the ideal suture dissolves and disappears.
Unfortunately, the body recognizes this foreign material and occasionally works it to the surface before it can dissolve.
Under these circumstances, the stitch is no longer performing its function and can cause complications such as infection.
For this reason, sutures should be removed whenever they break through the skin. When this situation occurs it’s important to consult your surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to remove these sutures without difficulty. (Richard J. Bruneteau, MD, Omaha Plastic Surgeon)
Spitting dissolvable sutures can occur with the tummy tuck. Typically, we cut them out since the wound will not heal if they are left in place. It is best for the plastic surgeon to remove them, since the knot needs to be cut. Trimming the ends will not be enough. (Gary Lawton, MD, FACS, San Antonio Plastic Surgeon)
Spitting Sutures
Dissolvable sutures sometimes work their way to the surface and “spit” or come through the skin and act like a splinter and can fester. It is recommended they be removed to allow the skin to heal and can be evaluated by your plastic surgeon at any time. (Christopher J. Kovanda, MD, Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon)
Can Have Spitting Sutures Removed or Trimmed After Tummy Tuck
I suggest you visit your surgeon and ask to have them removed. It would reduce the risk of irritation and enable you to feel better about your situation. (Jerome Edelstein, MD, Toronto Plastic Surgeon)
I usually remove them as they pop thru the skin. It shouldn’t compromise your scar and will help prevent little “stitch abcesses” from forming. (Mark D. Epstein, MD, Stony Brook Plastic Surgeon)
Dissolvable Stiches after Tummy Tuck
The dissolvable stitches should dissolve but if they made their way out of your skin you shouldn’t touch them. Always consult with your PS of when it will be best for him to remove them if they are still there.
In some cases even after years post op, patients have seen them come out. (Mel T. Ortega, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)
We call the phenomenon of sutures coming out like that spitting. Sometimes its due to the type of suture material and how your body chooses to deal with them, instead of absorbing them it is letting them out through the surface.
The scar will slightly widen but don’t worry, it will only be by a couple of milimeters at most. See your board certified PS for him to remove anything that comes up quickly. (Ricardo A. Meade, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)
Dissolving sutures are the norm after tummy tuck, and most will remain under the skin and disappear after three weeks. Occasionally, one or more may come to the surface, and when they do, your surgeon should remove them in the office, both for comfort to you and better healing. (Peter E. Johnson, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)
Stitches are popping out of incision
These stitches commonly come out on their own. I will occasionally advise patients to gently wash the incisions with cetaphil soap to encourage them to fall out. (Otto Joseph Placik, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)