Dissolvable staples not dissolving - is there any way to help?

Question

I had breast reduction july 2022 using dissolvable staples. I had a lot of hypertrophic scarring and spitting staples and still feel the staples and see some where I had cortisone shot and the skin thinned. Is there any way to help them dissolve they’re still pretty intact.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to visit with your surgeon for an evaluation.  If needed the suture material that is causing concern may need to be removed.  Hypertrophic scars can be addressed as soon as a year after surgery.  Your surgeon can discuss options with you.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Some times sutures can take 6-9 months to dissolve completely.  If the sutures are under the skin they will dissolve with time.  However, if they are exposed to the air they will not dissolve any longer and can become annoying. If this occurs I recommend you contact your surgeon to have the office remove them.  You can also in the mean time apply warm compresses to help. Best of luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Most should dissolve, but some may need to be removed. In a reduction, some of the circulation to the skin is weakened.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I suggest you follow up with your provider and get guidance from him or her.
If the staples are causing difficulties, then they should probably be removed or you’ll simply need to wait. These take a long time before they go away.
It may take a few years.
Best,
Mats Hagström MD

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Dissolvable staples not dissolving - is there any way to help?

Answers (4)

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