Breast implant incision - scab or stitches poking out?? 3 weeks post op. (Photos)

Question

I am currently 3 weeks post op and my streri strips have come off. The doctor put dissolvable stitches in the incision and therefore do not need to be removed.I noticed that my incisions have dark areas that are bumpy and have some dry skin around it. Is this a scab/dried blood that has formed and part of a normal healing process? Or is it the stitches poking out?? Also, is it likely that an infection may be present? Any help would be appreciated!!

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, but without an exam it is hard to advise.  Please call your surgeon' staff to discuss--I am sure they will be able to help, hope for a speedy recovery.

Douglas Hendricks, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for the great pictures. It appears as though you may have a bit of some scab that is attached to the wound and is not ready to separate yet. In the right portion of the photograph there appears to be a portion of a suture that is partially exposed above the skin edges. This can happen and is quite normal. Many sutures that are used in surgery today are dissolvable and will either be slowly broken down by the body into sugar which is the most common way that sutures are dealt with by the wound. A less common way is what we call extrusion or "spitting" of the suture. This can happen if part of the suture or part of the knot is not completely covered by the skin, the body will decide to push it out. This is all very harmless and a very natural process. The good news is that it does not appear that you have any signs of infection because there looks like there is no excessive redness of the surrounding tissue.  As long as you have no redness of the skin next to the actual incision and no fever, no drainage and no significant change in your incisional pain, you are most likely in the clear. This will take care of itself over the next 7 to 10 days and should provide you with a very smooth completely closed and normal appearing incision. Your concern probably should be brought to the attention of your surgeon and staff at least by making a connection by telephone. They may offer the same advice or may even suggest that you come into the office for a check sooner than scheduled. Either way my best advice is to notify your surgeon, then follow your surgeon's directions  because he/she is familiar with the way that the type of suture that was used behaves. Feel free to check back if needed. Stay well!

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery!
It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.
It is important to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.
It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place.
Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).
Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.
During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

Breast implant incision - scab or stitches poking out?? 3 weeks post op. (Photos)

Answers (3)

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Breast implant incision - scab or stitches poking out?? 3 weeks post op. (Photos)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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