Panniculectomy stitches 3 months post-op
Hello everyone!
I had my panniculectomy on October 3, 2011 and within the last few weeks I noticed that stitches have started coming to the surface. I didn't know they were stitches at first because they sort of looked like pimples, but when I squeezed them the stitches would stick out. At first it was only one every so often, now more and more are coming to the surface and they're starting to hurt. Not all of them come out of my scar, some of them are just under the skin. Has anyone had this problem? Should I ignore this in hopes it will fix itself or call the doctor? Also, is it something I should be worried about?
I had my panniculectomy on October 3, 2011 and within the last few weeks I noticed that stitches have started coming to the surface. I didn't know they were stitches at first because they sort of looked like pimples, but when I squeezed them the stitches would stick out. At first it was only one every so often, now more and more are coming to the surface and they're starting to hurt. Not all of them come out of my scar, some of them are just under the skin. Has anyone had this problem? Should I ignore this in hopes it will fix itself or call the doctor? Also, is it something I should be worried about?
First, don't worry.
What you are describing is a classic stitch abcess. This happens when a stitch that is supposed to dissolve in your body (usually by the 60day mark) does not. Since it can't be or isnt being dissolved for whatever unknown reason, your body pushes the stitch up to the surface of the skin and eventually expells the stitch. It is known as "spitting stitches"
Most people describe a stitch abcess exactly as you have. A small inflamed pimple or a blister is how many describe it. Your body is rejecting the stitch and the the defenses are mobilized. White blood cells are attacking it causing the area to swell, the tissue filled with serous fluid and possibly some blood. The pain is coming from the surrounding tissue being affected or possible infection.
If the stitch has already protruded then there is a chance that bacteria has begun colonizing it causing further irritation and potential infection.
You need to remove the stitches that protrude. You can easily do this yourself or if you feel more comfortable, a doctor can do it. I have removed many, many, many and can tell you it is very simple. Get some nice sharp tweezers (I have some for removing splinters) and a pair of scissors. Make sure you sterilize them just to be safe (boiling water is nice). Pull out on the exposed stitch with your tweezers. Hopefully, the sides of the stitches have dissolved and with a couple of tugs you will be able to pull it completely out. If the exposed area is still part of a larger intact suture line you may have to cut the stitch off and just remove what you can. The rest of the suture line will most likely snap back below the skin and be dissolved.
Wipe the area with hydrogen peroxide. I always apply pressure first to express any fluid that might have built up. Apply Bacitracin (neosporin causes reaction in some people, but you can use it).
The skin won't heal and return to its normal color until the offending stitch is removed.
If you have a fever or if the abcesses appear exceptionally red and angry, you may have a small infection and require antibiotics.
What you are describing is a classic stitch abcess. This happens when a stitch that is supposed to dissolve in your body (usually by the 60day mark) does not. Since it can't be or isnt being dissolved for whatever unknown reason, your body pushes the stitch up to the surface of the skin and eventually expells the stitch. It is known as "spitting stitches"
Most people describe a stitch abcess exactly as you have. A small inflamed pimple or a blister is how many describe it. Your body is rejecting the stitch and the the defenses are mobilized. White blood cells are attacking it causing the area to swell, the tissue filled with serous fluid and possibly some blood. The pain is coming from the surrounding tissue being affected or possible infection.
If the stitch has already protruded then there is a chance that bacteria has begun colonizing it causing further irritation and potential infection.
You need to remove the stitches that protrude. You can easily do this yourself or if you feel more comfortable, a doctor can do it. I have removed many, many, many and can tell you it is very simple. Get some nice sharp tweezers (I have some for removing splinters) and a pair of scissors. Make sure you sterilize them just to be safe (boiling water is nice). Pull out on the exposed stitch with your tweezers. Hopefully, the sides of the stitches have dissolved and with a couple of tugs you will be able to pull it completely out. If the exposed area is still part of a larger intact suture line you may have to cut the stitch off and just remove what you can. The rest of the suture line will most likely snap back below the skin and be dissolved.
Wipe the area with hydrogen peroxide. I always apply pressure first to express any fluid that might have built up. Apply Bacitracin (neosporin causes reaction in some people, but you can use it).
The skin won't heal and return to its normal color until the offending stitch is removed.
If you have a fever or if the abcesses appear exceptionally red and angry, you may have a small infection and require antibiotics.
HW-345,SW-300, CW-144lbs. DS 5/11/10. First round of plastics with Dr. LoMonaco 11/8/11 LBL, BL. 14lbs of skin removed.
2nd round with Dr. LoMonaco 2/8/12 Brachioplasty, Thigh lift, Breast Implants.
I believe Raven has just about covered it all. She's very well versed. I have "spit" what feels like stitches, but everytime one comes out, the skin irritation resolves very quickly. Just spit another from my breast last night.
Good luck with them.
Denise
Good luck with them.
Denise
Check out my blog--menumealplanning.com. Tales of making meal planning managable, family fodder, and everything else under the sun.
RNY 2/3/09, LBL/BL w/Augmentation 9/16/11
Start weight: 335 Current weight: 185 Goal weight: Whatever the hell I can maintain without driving myself insane!
*6.5 lost preop
Most Active
Recent Topics
