Dissolvable Sutures Moving?

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.

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

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. 

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.

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. 

Your description sounds like a condition called Mondor's syndrome.  It is not rare and is experienced most often as painful cords or bands just below the breast.  This condition always resolves on its own and anti-inflammatory medicine helps.  Ask to be seen by your surgeon to be sure and try not to worry.