Post-Circumcision Concerns: Stitches Falling Out and Wound Healing

Q: Post-Circumcision Concerns: Stitches Falling Out and Wound Healing

Hello： I cannot view the imgur link as I do not have personal access. For the circumcision surgery, exposure to water is intended to allow the sutures to dissolve; there should be no issues after 8 days. 2. I cannot view the image. 3. The hardness is mostly sc

After circumcision, if the stitches come loose after soaking in water, there may be a noticeable wound?

Hello, doctor.
I underwent a circumcision on November 5th, and everything has been generally normal since then.
The outpatient physician instructed me to soak in warm water starting on the fifth day to allow the sutures to gradually fall off.
However, after soaking for three days (on the eighth day post-surgery), most of the suture ends have almost disappeared.
Will this have any impact? (1) Initially, I noticed a significant wound on the left side of the suture site (which became more apparent after the sutures fell out).
I returned for a follow-up, and the doctor took a quick look and said it was normal.
Currently, the wound is even more noticeable (as shown in the attached image).
Could you please help assess whether this is normal? (2) The skin that was sutured is soft on the right side up to the frenulum, but only the upper half of the left side is soft, while the area from the wound down to the frenulum feels noticeably hard.
Is this a cause for concern? (3) http://imgur.com/a/FIN7Cav

Xiao Lang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/11/16

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: I cannot view the imgur link as I do not have personal access.
For the circumcision surgery, exposure to water is intended to allow the sutures to dissolve; there should be no issues after 8 days.
2.
I cannot view the image.
3.
The hardness is mostly scar tissue, which should not be a problem; just keep the area clean.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2019/11/16

More Info

Post-circumcision concerns are quite common, and it's important to address them with accurate information and reassurance. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing some typical postoperative issues following your circumcision on November 5th. Let's break down your concerns:
1. Stitches Falling Out: It is not uncommon for stitches to dissolve or fall out earlier than expected, especially if they are absorbable sutures. The timeline for suture absorption can vary based on the type of material used and individual healing rates. If your doctor advised that it was normal for the stitches to start coming out around the fifth day, then losing them by the eighth day may not be a cause for alarm. However, if the wound appears to be opening up or if you notice increased redness, swelling, or discharge, it would be wise to consult your physician for further evaluation.

2. Wound Appearance: You mentioned that the left side of the incision appears more pronounced and that the doctor previously assessed it as normal. Postoperative wounds can take time to heal, and it is not unusual for them to look different from one side to the other. The healing process can involve changes in color, texture, and firmness. If the wound is not showing signs of infection (such as pus, increased pain, or fever), it may simply be part of the normal healing process. However, if you have concerns about the appearance of the wound or if it seems to be worsening, it is advisable to seek a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider.

3. Hardness Around the Wound: The presence of hardness around the incision site can be a normal part of the healing process, as scar tissue forms. This hardening may be more pronounced on one side, which can happen due to variations in how the body heals. If the hardness is accompanied by pain, warmth, or other concerning symptoms, it could indicate a problem such as an infection or an abnormal healing response. Again, if you are worried about this aspect, a follow-up with your doctor would be beneficial.

Additional Considerations:
- Hygiene and Care: Ensure that you are following your doctor's instructions regarding wound care. Keeping the area clean and dry is crucial for preventing infection. If you are advised to soak the area, make sure to do so gently and avoid any harsh soaps or irritants.

- Signs of Infection: Be vigilant for signs of infection, which can include increased redness, swelling, warmth, discharge (especially if it is yellow or green), or fever. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

- Pain Management: If you are experiencing discomfort, over-the-counter pain relief medications may help, but consult your doctor before taking any new medications, especially if you are on other treatments.

- Follow-Up Appointments: Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. These visits are essential for monitoring your healing progress and addressing any concerns you may have.

In summary, while some degree of variation in healing is normal, it is always best to err on the side of caution. If you have any doubts about your recovery or the appearance of your wound, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and reassurance. Your health and peace of mind are paramount during the recovery process.

Similar Q&A

Post-Circumcision Complications: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Hello Doctor, I am currently about three weeks post circumcision, and the stitches have gradually come loose. One of the stitches has fallen out, and there seems to be a split in the wound, which is oozing blood. I can see a noticeable gap and some white tissue. Do I need to retu...

Dr. Li Minghui reply Urology
Hello: Most small wounds do not become inflamed and will heal on their own if kept clean and dry. Follow-up visits after outpatient surgery are necessary. Wishing you good health.

Post-Circumcision Wound Concerns: What to Expect After Surgery

About 25 days after the circumcision laser surgery, the stitches have all fallen out, but there is a white line as shown in the image. It doesn't hurt, but will it affect future sexual activity? It seems like the sutures may not have healed properly and might need to be re-s...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: It is suspected that the issue is not related to the suture, but rather to the wound. It is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment. After three weeks, it should not open up, but friction may cause some bleeding. Please return for an evaluation to see if wound ca...

Post-Circumcision Concerns: Healing, Stitches, and Recovery Explained

Hello Doctor: I underwent a preputial fold surgery on January 21, and it has been 19 days since the procedure. Some of the sutures have gradually fallen out, but one area has developed a slight fissure that is oozing a tiny bit of blood. There is no pain when I touch it with a co...

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
Hello, this is something that should have been clarified during the outpatient visit. It's difficult to explain clearly online. I can only say that it sounds like there might be an issue with the wound, and it's best to return to the original surgeon to discuss it thoro...

Post-Circumcision Complications: Managing Wound Dehiscence and Healing

About a week after the circumcision surgery, I noticed that one side of the sutures had opened up due to morning erections, resulting in approximately four stitches breaking and a wound opening measuring about 2x0.5 cm. I returned to the doctor to ask if I needed to be re-stitche...

Dr. Lai Ronghao reply Urology
Wounds that are sutured may heal faster; those that are not sutured may take a bit longer to heal. However, it is unlikely that they will "never heal." If you are truly uncomfortable, please return to your original treating physician for a follow-up appointment.