Breast augmentation scar irritation/ pain (Photo)

Question

I got breast augmentation done approx one year ago and the incision placement is under my boobs. The corner closer to my arm on the right boob has always had a small bump which at the start was a bit [RS bleep] and you could see a small clear stitch sticking out which I trimmed thinking it may dissolve?? However a yr on there is still a small lump and anytime I sleep on that side it hurts and can become even sorer when wearing a bra. Any suggestions as to what might be the issue?

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

It sounds as if you have a stitch issue and it is causing inflammation and irritation. Schedule an appointment with your surgeon so that he or she can assess in person. A steroid injection may clear it up. Best, Dr. Nazarian

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. One year after surgery scars or incisions in general are fairly well "mature". In reviewing your photograph, the incision or scar under the breast looks faded and mature except for that 3-4 mm area.  That area that is causing you some discomfort may be caused by a "hypertrophic nodule" of scar that has become more raised and painful or it could be some kind of retained suture abscess never fully subsided, albeit that would be unusual one year after surgery. The symptoms you described with the clear suture material and the spot of pus was likely a "suture abscess".  Sometimes the dissolve-able suture material doesn't dissolve fully and similar to a splinter - it works its way to the surface and can cause symptoms that you describe.  It would be unusual to see that one year after surgery of any kind - but not impossible. I would recommend following up with your plastic surgeon and letting he or she closely evaluate that area to see what might be able to be done. I hope this helps!

Joo Hyuk Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It seems to be a stitch problem. The knots of the stitch material are usually going to dissolve under the dermis but sometimes they do not. The remnant knots can make inflammation around them and that could make irritations. I usually inject steroid drug for stopping inflammation and it can make the situation better. Good luck and have a wonderful day.

Raymond Jean, MD · Answer

You likely have a stitch abscess.  The stitch or suture in that location need to be removed for it to resolve.  I would recommend returning to your surgeon. It should be able to be done in the office. Best of luck.

Robert K. Sigal, MD · Answer

If there was a clear stitch sticking up from the wound, it's likely that the knot from an absorbable stitch was there.  A year out, it's likely that the knot has dissolved.  I would recommend that you go back to see your surgeon and show him or her the problem. It would be reasonable to try an injection of steroid and perhaps 5FU into the lump. If that doesn't work, a simple excision under local  should handle the problem. Hope this helps!

Breast augmentation scar irritation/ pain (Photo)

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Breast augmentation scar irritation/ pain (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Small red bump on breast augmentation scar

Answer: Small red bump on breast augmentation scar

Answer: Scar irritation

Answer: Scar irritation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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