I pulled a long white string out of my nipple after Breast Augmentation. Will I be okay? (photos)

Question

I am two weeks post op for my breast implants with a lift and I noticed a white string sticking out of my nipple so when I sanitized a tweezers and pulled on it I did not realize it was going to be about 6 inches long. I am sure this must be an internal stitch because none of my outer stitches were this color. I bled a little, put bacitracin and a band aid on it. Am I going to be OK or is this going to cause me any problems it was pulled out? I am worried I might be bleeding on the inside now?

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for your post. It looks like you pulled a suture from your breast incision. It's impossible to tell what type of suture it is simply based on the photos, but it might be made out of Gore-tex?? I suggest you check with your plastic surgeon about what to expect now that the suture has been removed. Best wishes, Dr. Aldo.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

what the white suture was used for... if it was a purse-string like in Benelli lifts, there could be some stretching of the scar.  If it was for something else, your surgeon should be able to let you know if there are any concerns about it.

Steven Svehlak, MD · Answer

It appears from your photo with the type of scar that is shown that you had a Donut Mastopexy (Bennelli).  The stitch appears to have been a permanent buried stitch  that helps to hold the areola skin edges together and the shape of the areola.  The shape of your areola may change and widen over time.  Please contact your surgeon to discuss this.  Thanks for the question.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

See your operative surgeon for follow up care!!! You should NEVER self treat... especially following a surgery...

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The white thread you pulled out is a suture that was used to close your areola after your breast lift.  This is not uncommon and from your photograph the wound appears not to be infected.  However I would urge you to contact her plastic surgeon for an examination and evaluation.

I pulled a long white string out of my nipple after Breast Augmentation. Will I be okay? (photos)

Answers (6)