One year post-op breast reduction: ingrown hair, pimple or random undissolved stitches? (photos)

Usually this type of lump is from a deep stitch that has created what we call a 'suture abscess'. It would be a good idea to see your surgeon to resolve this for you. 

This looks like a spitting suture, please visit your PS and have him/her take a look. It should be an easy in-office fix.
Shahin Fazilat, M.D., FACS

Hello and thank you for your question.It looks like it may be a spitting suture. Contact your surgeon to have him/her take a look at it. Best wishes.

Thank you for your question.
It could still be a "suture abscess", although the sutures should have absorbed by now. It could also be a small inclusion cyst / granuloma. Either way you should have it examined by your surgeon. There should be a fairly straight forward solution. All The Best !

Hello, thank you for the question. We generally see this when a patients body, for whatever reason, has rejected a stitch and it has worked its way to the surface. It is best to follow up with your plastic surgeon to see his suggestion for how to take care of it best. It should resolve itself once the stitch is expelled from the body.

Based on your photos alone, a lesion such as this along the suture line may represent an inclusion cyst. A suture abscess is also a possibility (although less likely 1 year post op as non-permanent sutures would have dissolved long ago and I don't believe a permanent suture would have been placed at this level).As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Dear Caitbeez, Thank you for your question. Based on the picture you provided it appears to be a small cyst. Sometimes a stitch might not have fully dissolved and can start migrating to the surface, which can form a small cyst. I recommend you being seen by your board certified provider who performed the operation, or different surgeon in your area. Best wishes, Franziska Huettner

I don't believe many surgeons use permanent sutures in buried fashion at that level (and any dissolving sutures should be long-gone by now), but this could represent any of the things you mentioned, if not (if firmer) a cyst (inclusion cyst of skin or foreign material) or even fat necrosis (scarred fat, but often would be deeper than this level). Best to see your original surgeon to ask their feedback, and probably easily treated. If it drains or ruptures in the meantime, over-the-counter antibiotic ointment is a good idea until formally addressed.

Dear caitbeez,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello,This could be an ingrown hair or potentially a suture, though it is above the incision line so is unlikely to be a suture. The best next step is to see your surgeon so he/she can see it in person. All the best,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX