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

Question

3 weeks post op, dissolvable stitches in breast fold. Swelling is 75-80% gone I would say and breasts have settled nicely. However one set of sitches seems tight, causing an abnormal shape to lower pole. Doc said it would go away once swelling is gone, however it still hasn't do I need to wait until stitches are totally disolved? Worried the lower pole will never be a round shape?!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

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.

G. Robert Meger, MD · Answer

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

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and providing images. You are still very early in the healing process and should expect additional changes as your breasts heal and the swelling continues to go down. Give your body the time it needs to heal before revisiting any concerns with your surgeon. Good luck and congratulations on your recent procedure!

Steven Varkony, MD · Answer

3 weeks is still early in your recovery. Sometimes, swelling
can take months to resolve and the result may take up to a year to see. Without
an in-person examination, it’s impossible to determine if anything abnormal is
developing. It is important that you are following your surgeon’s
post-operative care instructions to ensure the best results. We recommend
consulting with your doctor to further discuss your concern.

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

Answers (6)

Answer: Healing and swelling

Answer: Healing and swelling

Answer: Are my stitches too tight and wide?

Answer: Are my stitches too tight and wide?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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

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

Answers (6)

Answer: Healing and swelling

Answer: Healing and swelling

Answer: Are my stitches too tight and wide?

Answer: Are my stitches too tight and wide?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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