My surgeon doesnt know what is going on - I have holes on my incision line (Photo)

Question

I had a BA with a lift in December 2022. Since January, I've had small holes (the size of a pencil eraser) appear along the vertical incisincision on both breasts. Sometmes they pop up alone, and other times are preceded by a blood blister. I've reported these to my surgeon and sent pictures but said he didn't know what these are or why they're happening. I am hoping that someone can help explain these mystery holes so that I can understand what is happening to my body.

Martin Benjamin, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! The pictures you sent may be indicative of suture spitting. The surgeon likely used dissolvable suture that your body may be rejecting. About 99% of these sutures usually dissolve without problem but a good 1-2% are usually spit out by the body. This can appear as a small stitch you can feel that your body spits out (along with what appears to be pus or small amount of bloody discharge). It may also present with what looks to be a simple "pimple." Typically as long as the stitch was removed or falls out the area should heal on its own. I usually recommend an application of bacitracin twice a day and to keep it covered w/ gauze or telfa to prevent friction irritation. If the wounds continue and/or persist, you may benefit from obtaining a wound culture to make sure that you do not have a MRSA or any other atypical bacterial infection although this is rare and not usually the case. Good luck!

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! small circular shallow wounds in the line of the incision like this and around this timeframe are commonly due to "spitting sutures", meaning that the absorbable sutures typically used under the skin surface during surgery begin to "dissolve" by an inflammatory reaction. Sometimes, patient's bodies dont "like" the inflammatory reaction/foreign body as this is happening and tries to "spit it out", opening a small wound like this can some sometimes drain yellowish inflammatory fluid or have a blood blister appearance. It is common to have this addressed in follow up by the surgeon who will inspect and possibly remove any remaining suture material evident at the base of the wound and will also make local wound care recommendations. Fortunately these wounds will heal on their own from the bottom up and sides in by keeping them clean and moist with a topical antibiotic ointment and a small gauze dressing.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear AdoretheSP,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. Based on your photos, it looks like you might have spitting sutures. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Very likely that you have inflamation, granuloma around deep, resorbable stiches used for closure of skin and deep tissues. Resorbtion of these sutures is between 3-6 months but some may last longer. Removal of remining suture material may speed up the process. See your local plastic surgeon. Hope this helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An exam is needed to know for sure but these areas may be suture abscesses.  Treatment begins in your surgeon's office and will be maintained with minimal home care.  Schedule an appointment with your surgeon for an evaluation.

My surgeon doesnt know what is going on - I have holes on my incision line (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Granuloma, inflamatory tissue around stiches

Answer: Granuloma, inflamatory tissue around stiches

Answer: Small wounds

Answer: Small wounds

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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My surgeon doesnt know what is going on - I have holes on my incision line (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Granuloma, inflamatory tissue around stiches

Answer: Granuloma, inflamatory tissue around stiches

Answer: Small wounds

Answer: Small wounds

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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.