One of my Dissolvable Stitches from Breast Augmentation is Poking Out?

Question

One of the stitches is sticking out and is rubbing against my bra and causing extreme discomfort. it is not infected but i can see two of them sticking out. It has been 3 weeks since my augmentation and I dont think that i can wait weeks for this to disappear. what are my options. I am also afraid if it is snipped shorter will it then continue to grow out and possibly this time get infected?

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

At three weeks, you have gained about 60 - 80% of your normal tissue strength. If you were my patient, I would probably tell you that you could clip the stitch with a nail clipper or small scissors.  Since you are not my patient, I would tell you to check with the doctor who did your surgery before doing this.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Stitches that are visible and poking the skin may be trimmed if necessary.  I usually have the patients come in and see me prior to doing this.

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

I would advise that you see your plastic surgeon about this issue.  He/She will make the best determination about how to remedy the situation.  I would not advise that you clip them. 

	Dr. ES

Justin Perron, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Thanks for your question busygirl53!
This is quite common for dissolvable sutures to progress their way up superficially and protrude through the skin. I would encourage booking an appointment with your board certified plastic surgeon. They will be able to properly assess the area, and if need be remove any sutures that may be protruding through. This will enable your incision lines to heal up nicely! Leaving the sutures, may prevent the wound from closing properly.
Thanks again :)

Fadi Chahin, MD, FACS · Answer

As you have been advised, typically your plastic surgeon is the best resource for answers to this question. In the meantime, you could put a bandaid over the stich to help it from snagging on things or a small piece of tape will work the same.

	 

	I hope this helps you and good luck

	 

	Fadi Chahin MD, FACS

	Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

	Diplomat, American Board of Surgery

	Diplomat, American Board of Plastic Surgery

One of my Dissolvable Stitches from Breast Augmentation is Poking Out?

Answers (6)

Answer: Protruding Sutures

Answer: Protruding Sutures

Answer: Protruding sutures following breast augmentation

Answer: Protruding sutures following breast augmentation

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One of my Dissolvable Stitches from Breast Augmentation is Poking Out?

Answers (6)

Answer: Protruding Sutures

Answer: Protruding Sutures

Answer: Protruding sutures following breast augmentation

Answer: Protruding sutures following breast augmentation

Browse related questions

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.