There is a piece of stitch left in my incision area from my breast augmentation. Is this dangerous? (Photo)

Question

I am almost 1mo post op from breast augmentation and I just noticed that there is a piece of the blue non-dissolvable stitch left in my incision area from my left breast. It is a little pink around it but it's not infected (at least not yet). Is this dangerous? Will it get infected if I don't get it removed ASAP?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

You should get this remaining stitch removed, as your skin will react to it by becoming irritated. There is also a risk of infection.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. If you retain status that can be easily seen or felt I think it should be removed.  Permanent sutures can be left in place in the body and the body will scar around them. There's always a potential if it's very close to surface for infection. Have your plastic surgeon evaluate and treat you if necessary.Good luck.Earl Stephenson Junior MD DDS FACS

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear RockvilleGal628, It is normal for the area to be pink around a suture remnant. This will likely not improve unless the irritant is removed. It is always best to check with your surgeon before trying to remove the suture yourself, they may want to see you in their office to do so. Good luck!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and yours is no exception.  But if its sticking out, a little tug with a tweezer may allow it to be removed.  If its attached to deeper things, let your surgeon fix this problem for you and give the office a heads up so they can allot the extra time needed to get it out.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

What is unusual is you taking the time to photo and post and ask your retained suture question over the net? Why not see your surgeon to have it removed???

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There is a piece of stitch left in my incision area from my breast augmentation. Is this dangerous? (Photo)

Answers (5)

BREAST AUGMENTATION PROVIDERS NEAR YOU