Concerned about suture spitting. How common is spitting and how will it affect my breast lift?

Question

I’m getting a breast lift before the end of the year and I’m worried about suture spitting. I had a mole removed on my shoulder some years ago and I ended up with a big angry scar because of spitting. I explained this to my surgeon during the consult and she didn’t seem too concerned about it. She said she could give me injections to stop the spitting if it happens. My question is, how common is spitting and how will it affect my breast lift?

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well.. based in your question its difficult evaluate you if the case dont have a picture, its recommended if you get a consultation in person with a plastic surgeon to discuss all about theme.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi melissaw22, 
  
Breast lift surgery aims to re-volumize the breast with either and natural implant or fat grafting followed by nipple repositioning using the lift. I prefer to use a vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern for more significant lifts. This reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. Mastopexy that requires less than 2cm of lift only needs a donut incision. Every incision is also closed in five precise layers without using reactive sutures that can cause inflammation and eventual scarring.
  
If you are considering a breast lift, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert P. Schmid, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! In my experience of doing thousands of cosmetic breast surgeries, the way plastic surgeons sew up the breast tissue, rarely to stitches spit. I think that newer techniques like Insorb staplers and Quill sutures help to minimize this from happening.  In the rare case that they do, they’re usually easily removed, & cause little to no scarring. We are right down the road from you in LBK with our own AAAASF accredited OR, if we can be of further help. Best of luck to you!

Milind K. Ambe, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Spitting sutures can happen but usually they do not cause any subsequent scarring issues.  Unless you have a severe reaction to the sutures, where your body actually tries to get rid of the suture and your entire incision opens up, there shouldn't be an issue with scarring. Make sure you communicate this concern to your surgeon as certain sutures are less reactive than others.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

We certainly see this from time to time. We do things technically to try to prevent this. Typically, at it's worst, it can leave a wider spot on the scar after healing. If this is bothersome, it can be revised (usually under local anesthesia) after an appropriate amount of time has passed.

Concerned about suture spitting. How common is spitting and how will it affect my breast lift?

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Concerned about suture spitting. How common is spitting and how will it affect my breast lift?

Answers (9)

Answer: Spitting sutures

Answer: Spitting sutures

Answer: Suture spitting

Answer: Suture spitting

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.