Popped stitch - exposed scalp

[Mel-Nic]

Five weeks post surgery, our son has an area on his incision site about 2 inches above his left ear that has always seemed like a weak spot - scab opens up, bleeds, scab reforms, repeat. Today the stitches from that area have "popped" and now there's a little divet of exposed scalp. I have a call into the doctor's office, but was also wondering if this has happened to you and what you did.

The popped stitches are still attached, just kind of hanging there. We have a post-surgical consult in 2 weeks.

Thanks for any input. Otherwise (well, despite some poor sleeping and a little extra fusiness - all manageable, just irritating) recuperation is going well.

Best to all of you!

[*Jessica*]

Good you called the doc. I would think that could introduce infection. Didn't happen to us, but maybe someone else can chime in.

Glad to hear recovery, other than that, seems to be going good!

[AJ's Mommy]

AJ stitches were coming out 5 weeks post of and his incision was healed. I think it's a good idea you called. Hope it's nothing but I would get it checked out.

[fitmomof2ae]

I hope the Dr calls you back soon!

[jjmc123]

Sounds just like Logan after his 1st op! He nearly gave us a heart attack!!!! In Logan's case we were told that he had a plate near the spot and his body was reacting to it, causing the skin there to be weak. Until the plate dissolved, the skin would remain weak. Fir 18+ months it would sut open so easily, then one day it stopped, just like the surgeons said it would. Good luck.

[InfinityRogue]

Wow, I can imagine that must have been scary! I'm glad you're seeing the doctor. Just in case so no infection will develop. I'm glad some of the other mommies had some experience in the matter and could give you some advise. Hope recovery continues to go well! Keep us updated.

[angeleka]

Andrew had a similar spot. It kept opening. Buchman ended up telling us to put cocoa butter on it to keep the area soft so it would not scab over.
That spot is now an area on his scar that I do not like. The scar is wider there and it bugs me. I guess it really shouldn't. Really, what is the big deal about a couple of millimeters of fatter scar on a scar that runs from one ear to the other? I think it bugs me because I feel like I should have pushed for him to fix it some how. I feel like it is some how my fault that small area is bigger. Kind of lame, I know. Other than that though, it eventually healed and there were no other issues.

[Mel-Nic]

Nurse told us this is "normal", probably a corner suture came out, and since they are bigger, pulled some flesh with it. We were advised to keep area moist, lots of swimming (chlorine good for the healing), baths, submersing incision area if possible. Scabs should not be forming, body is to heal iteself from the inside out. Right side seems to have done that, left side still fighting those scabs, despite our 2xdaily application of vaseline. Funny how others had one "weaker" side too. Our cranio similarities are eerie. Thanks for your tips!!

Take care!