Stitches didn't dissolve. Will it be OK?

Thanks for your question! Your situation (dissolving sutures not dissolving) is quite common. The nurse was right to remove them. The only risk is "track marks" on either side of the scar, but there is no risk of infection or to your breast implant. Hope that helps! 

Absorbable sutures typically dissolve within 2 to 4 weeks. However, this can vary depending on the type of suture used, the location of the incision, and individual factors.
Some factors that can influence the absorption time include:
-Type of suture: Different types of absorbable sutures have varying absorption rates. For example, catgut sutures may dissolve more quickly than polyglactin 910 (Vicryl).
-Location of the incision: Factors such as the type of stitches used, the location of the incision, can influence the dissolution time. Sutures placed in areas with good blood supply may dissolve more quickly than those placed in areas with poor blood supply.
-Surgical technique: The way the stitches are placed can also affect their dissolution time. If the stitches are not placed correctly or if there is tension on the wound, they may take longer to dissolve.
-Individual factors: Factors such as age, overall health, and your body's healing process and can also affect the absorption time.
-Infection: If there are signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or drainage, it's important to see your surgeon immediately.
Your surgeon will be able to examine your wound and determine if there is any cause for concern. They can also provide you with information about the healing process and what to expect in the coming weeks.
Hope this was helpful!
Best wishes
Dr Ali Sajjadian
TRIPLE Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Although it is hard to be super specific without knowing what was specifically done in closing your incision - I would take great solace in the fact that the nurse was not concerned about the appearance of your incision.  Of note, most dissolving sutures take significantly longer than 4 weeks to dissolve.  Some sutures, typically with the word "gut" in their name, will dissolve faster, however.  Definitely keep in touch with your plastic surgeon!  Best of luck!

It is very important if your stitches are externally or internally placed? Absorbable stitches are usually placed internally (hidden inside the skin) so you should not even see them and know when they are absorbed. On the other hand, externally placed stitches are intended to be removed. Whatever the case, having them removed is the correct procedure to prevent visible scars. You should be alright.
Hope this helps,
Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Thanks for your queryNow the sutures have been trimmed I am sure everything will settle down nicely. Adhere to your surgeon's recommendation with wound care and massage of scars over the next few weeks and monthsGood luck!

This tends to happen on occasion, particularly when a portion of the dissolvable sutures remains above the skin or a knot works its way through the incision.  It generally is not a problem and can be easily taken care of by clipping the portion of suture that is visible.  Occassionally, there can be some irritation around the site of the stitch.  Typically, dissolvable sutures used for skin closure take 4-6 weeks to begin degrading so it is not abnormal to see these on your exam.  We recommend keeping your provider aware of the issue and follow their recommendations for wound care.

It sounds like you went back your surgeon to check on your concerns. We recommend always calling or coming in when our patient have any concerns in the post-operative period. Stitches can take several months to dissolve and sometimes are removed to aid in healing.  The concern with the soreness would be to rule out the possibility of infection present or allergic reaction to any type of antibiotic ointment being used. 

Thank you for your questions. Without knowing the details of your procedure, it is hard to comment. This likely will not cause a big problem or alter the ultimate outcome. I would advise you to see your surgeon and follow his or her instructions. Good luck!

Per se, all absorbing sutures will dissolve in time.  Some dissolving sutures take a bit longer that others to dissolve.  What can happen is that the tail of the suture, where all the knots are, can "spit" or push thru the incision and cause irritation until it is absorbed or removed.  This is what we call a spitting suture.Some patients tend to have this more often than others.  It is not a serious problem and is self limited and will resolve over time and the wound will heal once the suture dissolves or is removed.Hope that helps.

Hi. It totally depends on the type of sutures that were used. If you had visible dissolving surures in the skin then this is a very common occurrence. For this reason most surgeons will use dissolving sutures that are hidden under the skin which avoids this problem. CheersDamien