Are my stitches too tight and wide? Will this affect final results? (Photo)

Hi JV007,

For scars, I close all of my incisions in 5 layers and do not use absorbable sutures because they cause inflammation and worse scarring. I tape all of my incisions in the office visits once a week for six weeks after surgery to improve the appearance. After taping, I start my patients on a scar gel therapy for 3 months that they have to put on their incisions twice daily.

I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery.

If you are concerned, you should visit your plastic surgeon for assessment and to discuss your concerns, as different surgeons have different approaches in scar management. Your surgeon can also advice you of new innovations that can help with managing and improving the appearance of scars like lasers and other scar treatment modalities.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your photo and questions.  You are still early in the healing process and can expect further changes to occur as the breasts soften and the implants settle.  This area of suturing should continue to soften and loosen with healing and time.  I encourage you to communicate your concerns with your surgeon.

Dear JV007:  This is very normal after breast augmentation and likely represents a stitch your surgeon placed during the closing process to make sure you have a sturder, secure closure and to make sure the implant doesn't drop too much.  It goes away in 6 to 8 weeks usually.  It's nothing to worry about.Best of luck to you!G. Robert Meger MD