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

Question

Had a breast augmentation done with a donut mastopexy three in a half weeks ago. Everything seems to be healing fine and the surgical glue has come off around the areola but on the right side of my nipples, there feels like a possible stitch is sticking through the incision. At the angle it is, I can't tell if maybe it's just surgical glue.... So my question is, do doctors use permanent stitches underneath the nipples for a donut mastopexy or am I just being paranoid?

Scott J. Engel, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

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!

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

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.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

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../

Shaun Parson, MD · Answer

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.

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Do doctors use permanent stitches underneath the nipples for a donut mastopexy?

Answer: Do doctors use permanent stitches underneath the nipples for a donut mastopexy?

Answer: Are permanent sutures used during a donut mastopexy?

Answer: Are permanent sutures used during a donut mastopexy?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Do doctors use permanent stitches underneath the nipples for a donut mastopexy?

Answer: Do doctors use permanent stitches underneath the nipples for a donut mastopexy?

Answer: Are permanent sutures used during a donut mastopexy?

Answer: Are permanent sutures used during a donut mastopexy?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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