protruding sutures after abdominoplasty

Aproximately 6 years after my abdominoplasty I am experiencing something unusual. I have been feeling hard lumps underneath my skin on my abdomen. They are causing some discomfort and a feeling that I would describe as tightness. There are two areas of concern, one on the left mid abdomen area and one center abdomen just above the umbilicus. Yesterday while at work, the area on the left abdomen became sore to touch and red. When I looked closely at the area, I noticed a small abrasion and what looks to be a black suture poking out. Could this be? Can the sutures move and eventually protrude the skin? Now what do I do? I am nervous that I will have to have exploratory sx. Do you have any suggestions? Can I take care of this myself? Should I try to pull the suture out? Please help!

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

See a surgeon to help with this problem.  You are probably having spitting of permanent sutures that are eroding through the skin.  This is an extremely unusual problem, but one that can readily and simply be treated with the proper knowledge and tools.  No need to panic, but I don't advise tackling the problem yourself.