Stitches come out 4 years post op? (Photo)

Question

Hello- I'm wondering if anyone else experienced anything like this. I had a breast reduction in March 2019 and just a few weeks ago suddenly I noticed two small scabs on the scar under my breast. It feels like some stitches worked their way out or something but I thought the stitches would surely have dissolved by now! Is this a thing?

Brian Bassiri-Tehrani, MD · Answer

This depends on what type of suture was used during your breast reduction surgery - permanent or absorbable suture. Permanent sutures can come out after a period of time after surgery, sometimes even years later. It is possible a permanent suture was used during your surgery, and it has started to make its way to the surface of your skin. By now, all your tissues have fully healed so this will not result in any changes to your breast shape.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Absorbable sutures should have dissolved by now. If permanent sutures were used, it's not common but possible that they are surfacing. A return visit to your surgeon would be indicated. He or she would know what type or sutures were used, and if necessary, they can be removed in the office.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
It is possible for a suture to make its way to the surface. Contact your surgeon to have this looked at and taken care of. Best wishes!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to return to your surgeon's office for an evaluation.  The sutures can typically be removed in the office and require minor home care.  The area tends to heal quickly after the suture knot is removed.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I have seen dissolvable stitches not dissolve and had to be removed 7 years after the surgery. Anything can happen in surgery.  Kepp these areas clean and go back to your surgeon if needed.

Stitches come out 4 years post op? (Photo)

Answers (5)