Follow-Up Question: 3 months post op breast lift/augmentation and I have a tender lump. PS thinks it's a stitch. Thoughts?

Question

I asked about my areola scar being painful and swollen on here this week. Now I have this tender lump which looks blood filled. GP has given me antibiotic and thinks it could be just a stitch trying to break through. My surgeon is in Greece and I’m uk. Could it be anything else? Many thanks

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Turtle Doves,
it is hard to tell for sure but based on your photos, it does look like you have a problem with a suture. I would suggest you to follow your surgeon's instructions. If this doesn't improve, your surgeon might need to remove the suture in order for this to resolve. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You probably do have a stitch that instead of absorbing is trying to break through. Once dissolved or removed, it should heal up well.  Your primary care physician could open and remove it under local if needed.

Paul M. Pearce, MD · Answer

Most likely it is a suture that is working its way to the surface which can happen after surgery. It would be best to discuss this with your plastic surgeon and ask if the sutures they used in this area were dissolvable. This may pass with time or the suture material may surface. Discuss with your plastic surgeon if they think you need antibiotics. Depending on what you had done and if there is an implant present they may decide to put you on antibiotics or not.

Douglas McGeorge, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

The lump may be a piece of suture material being discharged or a small cyst in the scar.  As it is not inflamed, antibiotics are not indicated.If you pierce the grey dome with a sterile needle, it may discharge.  Any suture material can be lifted out and the wound should settle.

Douglas J. Raskin, MD (retired) · Answer

Greetings,Sorry you are having a suture abscess!  This problem does occur on occasion and is best treated with antibiotics and removal of the offending suture (drainage). You should consider care with a local plastic surgeon, since your original surgery was done in Greece.Best Regards,

Follow-Up Question: 3 months post op breast lift/augmentation and I have a tender lump. PS thinks it's a stitch. Thoughts?

Answers (6)

Answer: Lump Areolar Scar

Answer: Lump Areolar Scar

Answer: Late suture abscess on the areola after a lift.

Answer: Late suture abscess on the areola after a lift.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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

Follow-Up Question: 3 months post op breast lift/augmentation and I have a tender lump. PS thinks it's a stitch. Thoughts?

Answers (6)

Answer: Lump Areolar Scar

Answer: Lump Areolar Scar

Answer: Late suture abscess on the areola after a lift.

Answer: Late suture abscess on the areola after a lift.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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