Is it possible a breast augmentation suture didn't dissolve?

Thank you for your question.It is possible for sutures to be pushed to the surface this far out post op. Consult with your plastic surgeon to address you concerns however.You may learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.

Best of luck, 

This is almost certainly a foreign body that is most likely to be the stitch, or more likely the stack of knots.  It won't heal until it is removed.

Great question Sunsetdia !  The answer is yes, it is possible to have patients with a suture that did not completely dissolve.  I am sorry you are having discomfort with this area.  Continue to follow up with your doctor if the area continues to bother you.  Your plastic surgeon should be able to handle this situation for you.

Thank you for your question.  You may have had a reaction to suture material.  Only an in-person examination would determine this.  Best to follow the specific instructions given to you by your plastic surgeon.  Good luck.

It is definitely possible but without examining you or seeing photos its difficult to give a specific answer. I’d suggest booking an appointment with your surgeon to be examined.

We typically use dissolvable sutures to close our incisions following breast augmentation. Sometimes these don't dissolve in a timely manner and/ or stimulate the formation of some scar tissue which can cause the type of lump you describe. A follow up visit to you plastic surgeon would be helpful. They will know what sutures were inserted and should be able to help resolve this for you.

Most surgeons use dissolving sutures to close surgical incisions. Over time, the body will naturally break down the suture material as a normal part of the healing process.
Occasionally, a suture may take longer to dissolve and present as a small bump or pimple. Your surgeon may recommend watching it or may remove the suture. The "pus" that one sees is not infection, it is the normal dissolving process. If you develop a small opening after the suture material is removed, this should heal in a few days.I encourage you to follow up with your surgeon to assure complete and uneventful healing.Good luck

Sunserdia.  I appreciate your concern, and the cause of your particular issue may be a non-dissolved suture. However, you should follow up with your plastic surgeon for a full evaluation. Good luck. 

Hi Sunsetdia,

I am sorry to hear about what you are experiencing. It is difficult to ascertain what this is and its causes. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon to have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear about your ongoing issues and discomfort. Yes, it is possible that a suture did not dissolve and may be causing the discomfort and other issues you have described. If the suture has not already dissolved by this time, it’s very unlikely that it will resolve itself on its own. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your performing board-certified plastic surgeon to diagnose your concern properly and have the suture removed if that is the finding. Good luck!