Spitting Stitches

From Make Me Heal

What does it mean for stitches to spit?

Sometimes, an internal suture can push itself out of your body, as part of the healing process. Your body wants to rid itself of this foreign matter. Sometimes, it presents as the stitch, itself, poking through the skin...which can be trimmed or pulled out. When the stitch pops out it can look like a piece of soft white rice. Other times, it can present as a pimple-like bump, that burst with a pussy fluid...sometimes a stitch is visibly present, other times it may have dissolved into this material. It can be painful in a similar way to how pimples or boils are sometimes painful or uncomfortable, but it's typically not serious. If it's not infected, the spot will heal quickly once it's out.

If you have a green discharge or if it smells, feels inflammed, or is hot to the touch, or you suspect an infection, call your plastic surgeon immediately. It is better to err on the side of caution, if you have any doubts.

If you see your plastic surgeon for a spit stitch, ask him or her if there is anything you can do for yourself if it happens again, or if he would like you to make a return appointment in the event of another occurrance. Always ask your doctor before you procede with any self-treatment, and keep your doctor informed about what your body is doing on each visit.