I recently had a small hole develop on my incision line. Any idea what's happening with this hole? (Photo)

Question

It has grown about double the size in 3 days. It's been about 4 weeks since my surgery

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  I would recommend that you visit with your plastic surgeon who can better examine you in person and discuss what to do.  It is hard to see how deep the hole is from the photo.  It could be something a simple as a suture spitting out or it could be a communication that runs deeper to the implant.

Steven H. Wiener, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. It appears that you have a buried suture knot that has not dissolved.  This is fairly common.  Visit with your plastic surgeon who can remove this easily in the office.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, and photographs.  I see the hole you are referring to, and this may be as simple as a suture that worked its way out of your skin, leaving a small wound that your body will fill in with time, or you may have had a localized infection, termed a stitch abscess, that caused the wound to separate.  The important thing is to rule out any communication with deeper tissues, namely your implants.  I recommend you speak with your surgeon so that they can perform an in-person examination and offer you care instructions until this hole has resolved.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

It looks to me like you may have developed a "stitch abscess" - a totally normal situation where one of the deeper suture knots from the incision works its way out the skin.  It should be fine and resolve on its own.  I recommend discussing this with your surgeon. Certainly, find your surgeon more urgently if you have developed significant redness, pain, drainage or are having fevers or chills.It is critical that you seek the advice of a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of plastic surgery.I wish you the best,Dr. Gabbay

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, jredstone77.  The hole might have occurred from a suture spitting out; it may be a superficial wound.  However, it may deeper and communicate with implant pocket.  Please contact your plastic surgeon to be seen in-person.  Good luck.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Picture suggest small hole with some redness. It may be simple stitch abscess, but need to evaluate to rule out any deeper infection. Please see your surgeon and follow the instructions.

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

It is not unusual for a small area of an incision line to open after surgery. This is usually the result of a reaction to one of the sutures. These areas normal heal just fine.  But make sure that you show this to your surgeon and that it is addressed.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

I agree with Dr. Castillo, this hole may just be a spitting stitch.   However, if the wound communicates with your breast implant pocket, it may be a more serious situation and require treatment.  contact your surgeon ASAP and let them know what is going on.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

Christopher Costanzo, MD (retired) · Answer

I appears to be a reaction to a stitch.  It is fairly common to see something like this.  But to be sure nothing else is happening, I suggest you contact your PS and let him or her look at the area.

I recently had a small hole develop on my incision line. Any idea what's happening with this hole? (Photo)

Answers (9)

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