Don't metal stitches used for breast reduction hurt more than dissolvable stitches?

Question

I was reading some of the posts on realself and was concerned to hear that some patients have metal stitches that need to be taken out several days after surgery. They said it hurts. Why are all surgeons not using dissolvable stitches.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Metal sutures are also called skin staples and yes they do hurt more, are awkward to remove, and do leave track marks on the skin. Almost all surgeons in the US probably use dissolving subcuticular sutures which are completely under the skin and don't need to be removed and will not track or mark the skin. If your surgeon is talking about skin staples, you might consider a second opinion.

Benjamin Schlechter, MD, FACS · Answer

From what you're describing it sounds as though whoever had the breast reduction surgery had staples placed for skin closure.  This is not typical for this type of surgery.  Typically, dissolvable sutures are placed under the skin to obviate the need for suture removal and to also try to improve the cosmetic result of the incision and potential resulting scar. In my practice, I have never used staples for skin closure for breast reduction surgery.  I have always placed the stitches under the skin which dissolve which make it much more manageable and easy for the patient.

Don't metal stitches used for breast reduction hurt more than dissolvable stitches?

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Don't metal stitches used for breast reduction hurt more than dissolvable stitches?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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