Issues with Dissolvable Stitches

Question

I had breast reduction surgery 13 years ago. For 2 years after surgery, I had several sites where the dissolvable stitches came to the surface of the skin and pushed through. Something very similar happened last night and I pulled out approximately 1/2 an inch of what looked like gelatinous thread. I will see the doctor about this. My question is - I was diagnosed with autoimmune disorder 3 years after surgery and Fibromyalgia 8 years after surgery - is there possibly a link to the stitches?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

You autoimmune disease is not related to the stitches but your extrusion of the stitches may be a consequence of your weakened immune system.

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Spitting sutures after breast reduction surgery can be very common. I have seen suture segments spit out, rather than be absorbed, years after the surgical procedure in healthy individuals. I doubt it is related to your autoimmune disorder or fibromyalgia. Treatment involves removal of the offending suture material.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	The vast majority of patients who have dissolvable sutures used for breast reduction surgery have their sutures dissolve within a year after surgery. In your case, I wonder if a permanent suture was used. Regardless, there is no science to show that these sutures are linked to any form of autoimmune disorder.

	Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is highly unusual to still have absorbable sutures in your wound closure after 8 or more years. It more than likely was a permanent suture that you can restrieve.

Issues with Dissolvable Stitches

Answers (4)