Dissolvable Sutures Moving?

Question

I had BA two and half weeks ago. I had 325 cc in left side, and 350 cc in right (slight asymmetry). My breasts have little pain at this point, but I began having pain in my ribs(right worse). When I first noticed, I was feeling around in the area, and could feel the internal sutures, and realized THEY are what is causing the pain. Now they have begun to move down into my lower ribs/abs. Is this normal???? I called the nurse line and she said it is normal, but that just doesn't make sense to me.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes two weeks, patients usually are getting more active, and starting to move the muscle. This may be causing you to get some inflammation in the area.  Decrease your activity and see if this helps to relieve some of the discomfort. I hope this helps.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Sutures do not move, as they are securely encased by the tissues they hold together. What  you are describing, particularly as you feel the pain moving towards the rib cage, is likely a severed vein (from your crease incisions) that has developed a phlebitis (inflammation) since it no longer has blood flowing in it and has clotted and sealed. This is called Mondor's phlebitis, and commonly is described as a tender cord or tendon-like structure that can be felt and sometimes seen when raising one's arms. It can occur on one or both sides, and to differing degrees of severity (discomfort or visibility).

	Since you are now almost three weeks post op, ask your surgeon if it is OK to use ibuprofen, which can help with inflammation, but can also inhibit platelet activity that could increase risk of bleeding if you stretch and tear a(nother) small vessel. Otherwise, this phlebitis will resolve on its own. Warm compresses are also helpful, but be careful not to burn skin that has decreased sensation. Most patients need do nothing as this always resolves on its own without concern. Take care, and best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Most likely this is Mondor's disease.  It is basically a swollen or inflammed vein.  This required no specific treatment and will improve on its own in about 6 weeks.

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

It is unlikely the sutures are moving down your ribs.  Pain in the rib area under the breasts may be due to the muscle attachments to the ribs in this area being stretched.  Sometimes, you may even see a cord vertically under the breast when you raise your arm over head.  This will go away with time.  You should discuss your concern with your surgeon.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Not knowing if these sutures are in the skin or deeper, it is hard for me to grasp what you are describing. Your surgeon who knows where the sutures were placed and can examine you if need be is probably the only one who can resolve this. 

	All the best.

Dissolvable Sutures Moving?

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Dissolvable Sutures Moving?

Answers (6)

Answer: Moving sutures?

Answer: Moving sutures?

Answer: Dissolvable Sutures Moving?

Answer: Dissolvable Sutures Moving?

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