Spitting Sutures

About this video

• Video Title: Spitting Sutures
• Channel: Pure Plastic Surgery
• Speakers: Dr. Vidal
• Duration: 00:10:57

Overview

This video addresses common post-operative concerns following mommy makeovers and breast procedures, specifically "spitting sutures" and "triple point opening." Dr. Vidal explains that these are normal healing processes and not signs of infection or wound failure, providing guidance on how to manage them. The video also touches on drainless tummy tucks and the permanence of BBL results.

Key takeaways

• Spitting Sutures: This occurs when absorbable sutures placed inside the body are expressed outwards, typically a few weeks to months after surgery. It's a normal healing process where the body gets rid of the material, not an infection or rejection.
• Managing Spitting Sutures: Clean the area with alcohol, gently pull the visible suture with tweezers, or trim it with a scissor if it's stuck. The small hole will typically heal within a few days. Topical antibiotic ointment can be used for protection and moisture.
• Triple Point Opening: This is a small opening that can occur where two incisions meet, often in breast lifts with implants due to tension. It's also a common wound healing issue, not necessarily an infection.
• Managing Triple Point Opening: Send a picture to the medical team for assessment. Treatment usually involves antibiotic ointment (like Silvadine) and gauze changes twice a day. The wound typically heals on its own over a couple of weeks.
• Vibrant and Granulation Tissue: The white tissue in an open wound is vibrant, a normal part of the healing process, not pus. Surrounding pink tissue is granulation tissue, indicating healthy healing.
• Drainless Tummy Tucks: Dr. Vidal discusses two methods: using internal stitches that can cause contour irregularities, and frequent fluid drainage, which he finds more traumatic than using drains for a few weeks. He prefers using drains to minimize complications.
• BBL Permanence: Fat transferred during a BBL is permanent, but its survival rate is about 70-80%. The transferred fat behaves like the body's natural fat, meaning weight gain or loss will affect the buttocks as it does the rest of the body. Maintaining results requires a healthy lifestyle, including diet and weight training.