Is it possible that I'm rejecting sutures 5 months post op breast lift? (Photos)

Question

Hello, something like a pimple forms, then white fluid and a lot of blood come out from around my nipples post breast lift, what is this? What is happening?

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi good5567,
Your body recognizes sutures as foreign bodies, and will do 1 of 2 things with them. Thing 1 is to dissolve them, which is what normally happens. Thing two is to kick them out to the surface, like your body would do with a splinter.
The ball of suture knot is the last to dissolve. Sometimes, your body will kick that not to the surface before it completely dissolves. Most likely, this is what is happening for you; that the suture knots are being kicked the surface producing small wounds. If you were to grasp at the base of the wound with a forcep, you would likely remove a small bit of suture material.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

The photos show small red/open spots around the areola scars with your description of intermittent white drainage and bleeding. At 5 months after a breast lift, one common possibility is a spitting buried suture or a small suture abscess/foreign-body reaction, but infection or a small wound-healing issue also has to be ruled out by an exam.

Please contact your operating surgeon and have this checked, especially because it is recurring and draining. They may need to remove a retained suture and decide whether a culture, drainage, or antibiotics are needed. Avoid squeezing or picking at the areas. Seek same-day care if redness spreads, the breast becomes increasingly painful, warm, or swollen, drainage has a foul odor, you develop fever, or bleeding is more than minor spotting.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Good5567, thank you for your question. It is critical to consult the doctor that performed the surgical procedure. This is because he knows what type of technique he or she used and how he or she performed the procedure. For more information and recommendations, it is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Jose A. Munoz, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Buried sutures are utilized to reduce tension on the skin closure following a breast lift. These sutures are usually of the dissolvable variety, but on occasion, the body may push the suture outward (as it is a foreign body), resulting in a "spitting" suture at the skin surface. From your photos, you appear to have quite a few. A regimen of incisional care is required as you exhibit open wounds. You should revisit your plastic surgeon as he / she may be able to pluck out the retained sutures. It should have no effect upon the final outcome.Best wishes...

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Yes, it is possible you have a suture that is not dissolving and causing these small abscesses.  You may benefit from having the sutures removed.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Good5567,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You are probably trying to spit out a permanent suture and need to be on antibiotics since it may have some internally causing this problem.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos it appears you have small suture abscesses.  Schedule an appointment with your surgeon who can address these in the office.  They typically heal well with minor home care.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

It is not uncommon for sutures to "spit" months after a procedure.  The areas usually scab over then heal.  As long as there is no redness spreading away from the small openings or the open areas increasing in size, you are fine.  
Some sutures spit more commonly than others, while some patients react to various sutures more often than other patients.
Keep it clean and dry.  Apply Bacitracin or Neosporin twice a day as needed.  Follow up with your surgeon.
Best wishes,

Dr. Taranow

Is it possible that I'm rejecting sutures 5 months post op breast lift? (Photos)

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