I have permanent sutures inside my breast used to reduce my areolas. Is it possible to remove them?

Question

I had tuberous breasts which were corrected 8 years ago. I recently found out that I have permanent sutures inside my breasts used to reduce my areolas (I guess Benelli). I feel pain in my nipples sometimes (Restricted blood circulation?). Before surgery, I never had such symptoms. Post 8 years, is it still possible to remove them?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Permanent sutures used for Benelli lift or areola reduction (they are made of Gortex) would integrate with tissue and it may be difficult to remove them without making multiple small incisions around areola. There is a possibility that scar around areola would stretch after removal of sutures? If you do note physically feel them, I would advise against removal. It is unlikely that pain you experience is related to suture only. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon expert in breast surgery is recommended. Good luck.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Short answer: Yes, but it will almost certainly NOT change your pain, and your areolas may stretch (sometimes significantly, which is why permanent sutures are used in the first place). 
This not a "restriction of circulation" issue, as everything is healed and circulation is intact if tissues are alive. I know it sort of looks like a tourniquet, but the nipple would be dead if the restriction was severe enough to be an issue. Nipple circulation is not just through the skin, but also from deeper tissues, which is why you have perfectly adequate and sufficient blood supply.
Pain is due to nerve irritation/damage during the surgery process. Healing can improve sensation and decrease soreness over time, but may not resolve it completely. After 8 years, your healing is complete and your sensory issue (pain) is unlikely to change, even with suture removal. 
However, suture removal will not cause any issues other than areola widening and perhaps a return of some degree of "puffiness," so you can talk to your plastic surgeon, who will likely inform you similarly (and likely dissuade you) since pain will not improve as scars will not be "unscarred." You can get new scars , with or without a permanent purse-string suture,, but then you have nerve irritation/healing all over again--maybe better, maybe worse, but probably not worth the effort. Your choice. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If the sutures are peri-areola, you will be able to palpate them by inserting your finger inside the areola and pushing outward.  If they are not peri-areola, but are deep sutures, they will be very difficult to remove.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question!  Yes the suture could potentially be removed; however, it probably will not alieviate the nipple issues you are having.  If there was any blood circulation issues, you would have noticed within days of there surgery.  After 8 years, there are new blood vessels that have grown in.  You will need to speak to your surgeon to go over the risks and benefits of removing the suture.Best of luck and hope this information helps!

- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It would be quite simple to remove the purse string sutures of a benelli lift.  It may alleviate the duscomfot you have but there is no way of knowing ahead of time.  Of course your areolae will stretch out a bit also.

I have permanent sutures inside my breast used to reduce my areolas. Is it possible to remove them?

Answers (10)

Answer: Suture removal

Answer: Suture removal

Answer: Benelli lift

Answer: Benelli lift

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I have permanent sutures inside my breast used to reduce my areolas. Is it possible to remove them?

Answers (10)

Answer: Suture removal

Answer: Suture removal

Answer: Benelli lift

Answer: Benelli lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Nipple Surgery

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