Do doctors use permanent stitches underneath the nipples for a donut mastopexy? (photo)

The most effective way to perform a donut (or peri areolar mastopexy) is with a permanent stitch (either gortex, mersilene, ethibond, or prolene) in the deep tissue to prevent scar widening. Most expert plastic surgeons use some type of this longer lasting stitch. If this stitch becomes exposed you have a big problem and the stitch needs to be removed. However, there are more layers on top of this stitch that are absorbable. Most likely this is a more superficial absorbable stitch that your body is rejecting. See your plastic surgeon to examine you. 

Good question- permanent suture may have been used depending on your plastic surgeon's technique. There are different reasons, pros and cons for either using permanent or absorbable suture used in any particular donut mastopexycase. Talk with your surgeon. best wishes!

Most experienced plastic surgeons use a permanent suture when performing a donut mastopexy. Otherwise the areola stretches out, sometimes dramatically. In my own practice, I use Gortex. You can see what that looks like at the end of the attached video. It's the white suture.To see a dramatic change from a breast augmentation with donut mastopexy, click on the link below.

Some do some do not.. I use long lasting temporary or dissolvable sutures (Monocyril) if the donut lift is a smaller one. Verses a larger lift I use a Prolene suture that is permanent../

Thanks so much for your question.  You should ask your surgeon what they used and I'm sure they will be honest and tell you.  It is acceptable to use either a permanent suture or a dissolvable suture.  At this point even if they used a dissolvable sutures they haven't had enough time to fully dissolve and you very well might feel the suture.  Bottom line, I would have an open discussion with your surgeon and ask what they used and why they use that particular suture.

HI Abailey.  I use soft permanent sutures around the areola when i perform donut mastopexies, but that does not mean that all surgeons do.  I suggest you discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.

Most MD's use some type of sutures either absorbable or permanent associated with a lift and it is not uncommon for them to work their way to the surface. I would see my MD and have him remove it before it becomes a problem.

Dr. Corbin

Yes, permanent suture is often used with a periareolar mastopexy to prevent spreading of the incision line and to keep the areola from stretching. This suture is placed somewhat deep and with the knot buried even deeper. On top of this, fine absorbable suture is placed to further perform a fine superficial closure. In order to determine if its the deep purse-string (permanent) suture knot showing through or one of the more superficial  fine absorbable sutures, it is best to confer with your plastic surgeon.