I still have stitches that hasn’t been removed for 2 years and was wondering if I could remove them at home (Photo)

Question

I’m a female, age 23. With a weight of 63kg

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

In the photo, the small dark points around the areola look like they may be retained or “spitting” suture material, but this needs an in-person exam to confirm. After two years, if any stitch material is still present, it is usually not something to pull out at home. The visible part can break off while deeper material remains, or pulling can open the skin, introduce bacteria, cause bleeding, or create a small infected tract. This is especially important after breast lift with implants, because any persistent wound or infection near an incision should be handled carefully.

The safest option is to see your original surgeon, another board-certified plastic surgeon, or a qualified clinician for removal under clean/sterile conditions. It is often a minor office procedure, but the clinician may need to trim or remove a buried knot, check whether there is any inflammation, and decide whether antibiotics or wound care are needed. If you have redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, increasing pain, fever, or any opening of the incision, you should be seen urgently rather than trying to remove it yourself.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear michymes,
I wouldn't recommend you to try to take sutures out at home. You can visit your surgeon and get them removed within a few minutes. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Michymes,

Thank you for reaching out with your concern about stitches that have not been removed for over two years and your consideration of removing them at home. It's essential to approach this with caution, and I appreciate your seeking guidance.

Given your situation, where these sutures have remained in place for such an extended period, it's highly likely that they are permanent sutures. These types of sutures are designed to stay within the tissue for a long duration and often span a significant length, making self-removal quite challenging and potentially risky.

I strongly advise against attempting to remove these sutures at home. DIY removal could lead to incomplete extraction or, worse, cause complications such as infection or damage to the surrounding tissue. Given the complexity and the risk of complications, professional medical intervention is crucial.

The ideal course of action is to schedule an appointment with the plastic surgeon who performed your initial procedure. They will have the best understanding of the specifics of your surgery and the nature of the sutures used. If revisiting your original surgeon is not an option, I recommend seeking a consultation with another qualified plastic surgeon. A professional will have the expertise and tools necessary to safely and effectively remove the sutures, ensuring proper healing and minimizing the risk of complications.

In summary, professional removal of long-standing sutures is essential to avoid potential complications. Please prioritize scheduling an appointment with your plastic surgeon to address this matter appropriately.

I hope this information reassures you about the importance of professional care in this situation. Wishing you a smooth and safe resolution.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest letting a nurse of surgeon remove those for you since they appear to be internal ones that are peeking out and are probably permanent.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The answer to your question is it depends. If the suture material is absorbable suture, then you may be able to grasp the knot of the suture, which is visible in the picture, and just simply pluck it out without having to cut anything. If it’s permanent suit material, then removing, it will require cutting the remainder of the suture and this is not straightforward and is best done by someone else. There’s a saying, most doctors will hear during their training that goes “a Doctor Who treats himself as a fool for a patient”.
I think the wisest thing would be to follow up with your surgeon. If you don’t have access to your plastic surgeon or other plastic surgeons in your community, then perhaps talk to your primary care doctor and see if they can help you.
Issues related to previous operations should ideally be handled by the surgeon who did the procedure.
With some breast procedures, the integrity of the incision around the areola is maintained by this strength of a permanent suture, which should not be cut. Without knowing the full background, it would be inappropriate to encourage you to cut your own suture.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Jared Blau, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for the photo! If you can’t go to your surgeon, your local primary doctor, or even an urgent care can remove these. You can probably do it yourself too, if you have the right tools

I still have stitches that hasn’t been removed for 2 years and was wondering if I could remove them at home (Photo)

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