Stitches...making it difficult for incisions to heal. Need advice.

[TX_Kimmie 0]

Hello All. I need help. :help:

I was banded on Feb 5th by Dr. Spivak. I think like most of you, I have five incision sites. Two have healed beautifully. The other three have healed for the most part, but each have a small dot where they have not. It feels as though it is a stitch poking through. I realize this sounds gross. It is not painful or unsightly. Just odd. I see Dr. Spivak later this week, but I was curious if anyone else has experienced this. I am assuming the darn stitch will eventually dissolve or something. I just want these very small areas to close all the way. Your thoughts and experiences are welcome (unless you are going to right me to tell me I am nuts - ha!)

:eek: Best to all my fellow Banders. -Kim :eek:

[enterprise01 0]

You're only 1 week post-op, so give it time. My steri-strips did not even come off until more than 3 weeks post-op. Dr. Spivak uses dissolvable sutures, and they can stay in place for up to 6 weeks. So don't mess with sutures or the wounds. Keep them clean and covered, and they will heal just fine.

Other than the incisions, how are you doing?

[marjon9 6]

I'll toss in a few comments. It seems to me that since you are seeing the doctor soon you should be fine. It does not sound like there is any infection or even drainage happening, so it does not sound like an emergency. I think you do want the incisions to heal by this time, five weeks after surgery, so it should be checked out. But a few more days should not be a problem. I was a slow healer too, but by five weeks all the incisions were closed.

[TX_Kimmie 0]

No, I was banded Feb 5th, so I am five weeks post op now. But your comments are very helpful, because I was unsure on how long it would take for them to truly dissolve.

I have kept them very clean and tidy. But the little stitches poke out and feel funny. I guess you are right. I am sure after a few more weeks they should be dissolved.

Thanks Enterprise. Hope you are well.

[TX_Kimmie 0]

Thanks Mark. Yep, you are right. There has been no soreness, redness, drainage or appearance of infection, so I have not really been that concerned. The little suckers are more of a nuisance. Just wasn't sure how long it would take for them to dissolve. I am sure the Doc will reassure me later this week. Thanks!

[enterprise01 0]

No, I was banded Feb 5th, so I am five weeks post op now. But your comments are very helpful, because I was unsure on how long it would take for them to truly dissolve.

I have kept them very clean and tidy. But the little stitches poke out and feel funny. I guess you are right. I am sure after a few more weeks they should be dissolved.

Thanks Enterprise. Hope you are well.

Oops. I have my months confused. I thought we were still in February!

I saw my dermatologist 3 weeks after surgery, and she wanted to see my incisions. She commented to me that those kinds of sutures usually last about 6 weeks, but she's seen them last as long as 8 weeks.

[TX_Kimmie 0]

Enterprise. I go for my first fill on Thursday, did Dr. Spivak say why your saline was absorbed or if that is the norm? I am curious on what to expect. And did you experience any pain with your first/second fill? Of course I am overthinking it...but guess that is normal.

[enterprise01 0]

Enterprise. I go for my first fill on Thursday, did Dr. Spivak say why your saline was absorbed or if that is the norm? I am curious on what to expect. And did you experience any pain with your first/second fill? Of course I am overthinking it...but guess that is normal.

Dr. Spivak did my first fill under fluoro at the SurgiCenter, and the patient liaison (can't remember her name) told me that the 1st fill often is absorbed. Brenda did the 2nd fill and when she noticed that half the saline was gone, she did comment that that was a common occurrence. The fill itself doesn't hurt -- you hardly feel the needle at all. The only uncomfortable part is when they palpitate the area to locate the port. My entire left side is still tender from the surgery, so having it pushed and poked was not pleasant. Fortunately, Dr. Spivak remembered where he put the port, so he didn't have to do too much palpitating. When Brenda did the 2nd fill, I was able to tell her exactly where the port was, so she also didn't have to feel around much.

[TX_Kimmie 0]

Thanks for sharing, I now will know exactly what to expect. I am not a tattoo person (not that there is anything wrong with it), but maybe getting an "X" marks the spot should be considered? How funny is that...my abdomen area would look like a treasure map! :loco:

Just kidding around. As you can see, I am a little nervous and anxious about the first fill. :eek: Thanks again for the input, I hope my fills goes well.