What do I do with dissolvable stitches that haven't dissolved? (photos)

Question

I had breast implants 4 weeks ago and I don't see my PS until the 21st of January but I have these two stitches poking out the sides and I think they are starting to irritate the skin. Someone told me I should cut them back as far as I can. Is this correct?

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgeons went through years of training to take care of you... don't take it on yourself! Plus you have technically "hired" your plastic surgeon to be at your service!Sometimes absorbable sutures can "spit" through the incision. They generally take about 6-8 weeks to dissolve, but if they poke through the incision, they can be a source of irritation. It is very easy to pluck these out in the office IF YOU ARE A DOCTOR :)

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your picture. Your incision site is healing well. I would return to your plastic surgery for evaluation that he or she can determine if these sutures should be removed.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast augmentation procedure. Always best to run these types of questions by your own plastic surgeon. He/she may ask that you return to the office to have the sutures trimmed. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

David Bogue, MD · Answer

If the sutures are bothering you, it's best to see you plastic surgeon. He/she will be able to remove them easily for you. I discourage patients from cutting any sutures.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

NO! Go see your surgeon for post op care and removal of the sutures NOW! If you take out your own sutures you than take responsibility if something goes wrong....

What do I do with dissolvable stitches that haven't dissolved? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Sutures after breast augmentation.

Answer: Sutures after breast augmentation.

Answer: What do I do with dissolvable stitches that haven't dissolved?

Answer: What do I do with dissolvable stitches that haven't dissolved?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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What do I do with dissolvable stitches that haven't dissolved? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Sutures after breast augmentation.

Answer: Sutures after breast augmentation.

Answer: What do I do with dissolvable stitches that haven't dissolved?

Answer: What do I do with dissolvable stitches that haven't dissolved?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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