Normal for a purse string stitch to hurt?

I use a gortex suture purse string technique to correct mild droop (ptosis), reduce areolar size, and adjust nipple areolar complex position.  The benifit of using a strong permanent suture is that it takes tension off the skin and prevents the areola from spreading wide.  Being a permanent material, the suture is strong and lasts but can get infected or be irritating to the patient.  This can necessitate removal.  It is difficult to say when it is ok to just remove the suture.  If they have to be removed, I generally try to replace them if it appears that the skin starts to spread.  If superficial and irritating, I try to replace them slightly deeper.  If they are infected, I first remove it and then make sure the infection is treated prior to replacement (at least 3 months).  Much of this can be performed on a stoic patient just under local anesthesia.  At 4 years postop, a significant amount of mature scar tissue may prevent areolar spread at all and simple removal may suffice.It is important that you see a board certified plastic surgeon for any and all cosmetic breast surgery!

It would be easy to remove those sutures in a quick office procedure. Your areola may widen if you do that and a new lift may be necessary though. You should see your surgeon and get their opinion.

Thank you for the question.To best help you, a physical
examination is required in order to determine
which procedure or technique would be best for your case.Dr. Campos