I Have a Stitch Left from my Implants a Year Ago.

Question

I got silicone implants a year ago. It wasn't made in this country. I notice 3 stitches(two in one breast an one inthe other). My regular doctor took two out but the other one is stuck and it is difficult to remove. He send me two a esthetic doctor and he said they will need to make a cut to remove it. Is there a risk if I just leave the stitch there? What is the worse that could happened? And, Is this process expensive? I live in Omaha, ne. Thanks

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

The stitch wont hurt you but can serve as a source of infection and it should be removed which is not difficult and your doc should be able to do it

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

First of all you went through real surgery with real risks.  You are going through an active healing process that will take months to complete.  In a breast augmentation, most usually close the tissue in layers to keep the tissue together and to take tension off the wound.  Deep layers are usually absorbable and the skin sutures non absorbable that have to be taken out.  Sometimes sutures from the inside will spit out through the wound.  If this is the case, you may have a little opening.  This is usually OK, and will heal,  but should be seen by a plastic surgeon. If the suture remains the skin may go through cycles of redness and healing.  Usually best to get it out.  It is a usually straightforward procedure.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for sutures to work their way to the
surface of the wound.When this happens,
they frequently develop localized infection around the suture.This is known as a stitch abscess and is easily
treated with local wound care.This
requires removal of the suture and dressing changes.In some cases, antibiotics will be necessary
as well.It’s
important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon.This surgeon should be able to help you with
the problem.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Leaving the stitch there can increase your risk of infection. It is safer to have it removed, although if you aren't experiencing any negative symptoms with it being there, then it may be okay to leave it.

Kelly Gallego, MD, FACS · Answer

When performing a breast augmentation, most plastic surgeons prefer to use clear absorbable or dissolvable sutures for the wound closure. On occasion some of these sutures can become exposed either because the wound breaks down, or knots are left too close the the skin surface. Any portion of an exposed suture should be removed because of the risk of infection. Additionally, most open wounds will not spontaneously close over a foreign object such as a suture. Sometimes a knot might be palpable beneath the skin, but not actually exposed. These sutures typically can be left alone unless they become infected or exposed. Removal of an exposed suture is a straightforward procedure which is performed in the office usually without anesthesia.

I Have a Stitch Left from my Implants a Year Ago.

Answers (10)