Ethibond Suture Removal Due to Allergy, Persistent Pain and Swelling?

I have been using Ethibond sutures for 14 years and have never seen or heard of an allergic reaction to them.  Ethibond is a braided suture and it can have a higher incidence of infection than a non-braided suture.  The correct treatment for either is removing the stitches and antibiotics if it's an infection.  The spongy area sounds like swelling since it goes away with compression.

Although possible it is extremely uncommon to have a suture allergy to nylon, Prolene or Ethibond in my experience.  More likely you are describing a low grade infection due to a suture abscess. The description appears to be what is call induration. I would follow your surgeon's advice and if concerned seek a second opinion. A combination of antibiotics  or antifungals depending on what cultures show from any drainage and steroids can sometimes be helpful but again needs to be directed by someone knowledgeable. Resolution because of the dependent area may take some time.

Problems After Quick Lift, LiteLift™, Lifestyle lift , S Lift -
Suture allergies are rare.
Removing them would have helped.
This may be prolonged swelling which will just require time.
Ashort course of steroid such as medrol or anti inflammatory including claritin and benedryl may help.