Permanent suture in nipple or something else? Help!

If you had a periareolar lift then you have a blocking stitch which is permanent that keeps the radial forces from spreading the nipple.  You are feeling the knot.

Dear JRue19,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for the question. It is difficult to answer your question without examining you however from reviewing your description it most likely is a permanent suture. It is very important especially in an circumareolar mastopexy to prevent it from stretching. It is best to discuss with your board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

JRue19.   It sounds like you’re describing a permanent suture at his place during this type of procedure to prevent the Ariola from spreading or becoming too large. However, it is best to follow up with you Plasticsurgery for a full evaluation. Good luck.

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  When attempts at limiting areolar spread are performed a permanent suture like Gore-Tex can be used.  Unfortunately in some thin patients this suture can be felt readily.  If this suture causes you issues, you can have it removed by your physician.  Hope this helps.

The report you provided demonstrates a permanent suture was used. Your symptoms are rather common with this situation. Your plastic surgeon can provide with a means to relieve you of these symptoms. Good luck, Dr. ALDO 

Thank you for your question.  Your operative record indicates that your surgeon used suture material that dissolves.  Without an examination or photograph, it is difficult to comment on the area that you are questioning.  Best to follow-up with your plastic surgeon for an evaluation.  Good luck.

Thanks for your question.  I think the procedure note answers your question: Although the note is not completely clear, it appears that your surgeon did a circumareolar mastopexy, which only uses an incision around the areola.  Unfortunately, one of the problems with that procedure is that it tends to stretch out and enlarge the areola.  In an attempt to prevent that, surgeons doing that procedure will often place a permanent suture all the way around the areola, although usually it is placed at the outside of the areola, rather than right around the nipple, as its sounds you are describing.  According to your note, a Gore-Tex suture was used for that purpose in your surgery.A permanent suture has to be used, because a dissolvable suture will allow the areola to enlarge once it dissolves.  Although several types of permanent suture can be used, Gore-Tex (expanded PTFE, or "teflon") is a popular choice because it is strong and slides easily.The good news is that a Gore-Tex suture is relatively easy to remove because it slides so easily, but the not-so-good news is that, if you have the suture removed, the areola is likely to expand in size significantly.  The same thing can occur if one of the suture breaks--one of the areolae can stretch much larger than the other.A more complete solution may be to remove the Gore-Tex sutures, and then do a standard "anchor" breast lift to control the size of the areola without a permanent suture.You will need to seek out your surgeon to see if I am reading the note as your surgeon meant it to be read, and to discuss your options.  Good luck!

if there was a suture, it would be around your areola. you state that you feel something NOT at your areola but around your nipple only. i don't believe that this relates to your surgery. i suggest you go back and ask your PS since he/she should be able to tell you.sincerelydavid berman md