Should I be worried about pimple on scar tissue from breast reduction? (Photo)

Question

I've got a pimple on the scar tissue of my nipple. I had my reduction in January so it has been 6 months now. Is this serious? Should I be worried? It hurts like a pimple would so not bad, but I have had some tiny pains lower down on that breast that come with the consistency of muscle spasms. They are not too bad or debilitating or anything like that.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear dmav,
I understand your concern. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a 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

Megan Dreveskracht, MD · Answer

In the photo submitted it looks as though the area of concern represents a small stitch abscess. Even though it is called an ‘abscess’, a stitch abscess is simply a partially digested suture that has worked its way to the skin surface. When performing surgical procedures such as a tummy tuck or in this case a breast reduction, multiple layers of slowly dissolving sutures are placed under the skin in order to impart strength at the closure site. More often than not, while most of the sutures we place get completely dissolved by the body, there are a couple sutures which will make their way to the skin surface. The appearance is just how it appears in the submitted photos-- like a small pimple. It will often pop, may drain slightly for a day or two, and then heal up quickly without difficulty. I would keep it clean and cover it with a Band-Aid and Neosporin until it resolves. While it is unlikely to represent a larger, underlying infection you will want to monitor for any additional symptoms which may require further interventions such as a wound culture or antibiotics. If you just start to develop symptoms such as fevers, chills, nausea, vomiting or redness that spreads beyond the area you should contact your surgeon immediately to be seen.

Should I be worried about pimple on scar tissue from breast reduction? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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

Should I be worried about pimple on scar tissue from breast reduction? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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