Does using a permanent stitch in an areola reduction surgery increase scarring?

This will usually help reduce widening of the areola and the scar.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

You really do need a permanent suture to help prevent spreading of the areola with passage of time. The suture generally doesn't cause healing issues, and can be removed if needed, as your surgeon mentioned. If the suture is removed, however, the areola may widen more. The bottom line is that the suture is very important and is used by most plastic surgeons. 

Hello,A permanent suture is mandatory to ensure areolar reduction; otherwise the areola will re-expand to its original size.  Even with a permanent suture, re-expansion can be a problem, especially when too much skin has been removed.  The same can be said for scaring; the greater the skin resection, the more likely the scar will be thickened. Best of luck!