Are There Internal Stitches Used in Breast Augmentation? I Had Mine 6 Days Ago and Felt a Tear but See No Outward Signs.

Usually there is no need for sutures within the implant pocket with a primary breast augmentation.  The breast tissue itself and the skin is usually sutured with dissolving sutures, these take around 6 weeks to dissolve.

The pain you describe sounds within the normal range after a breast augmentation.  It is unlikely you have any problem if there is no ongoing pain, swelling or reason for concern.  The nerves to the breast are often stretched by the implant and it takes several weeks for them to return to normal.

 

If you are still concerned you should contact your surgeon to double check everything is going well.

yes you almost certainly have internal sutures. Sounds like you are doing great. Resist the temptation to overdo it. You can't tear anything though. It is not unusual to feel what you are describing. Best of Luck!

Regardless of incision chosen for augmentation mammoplasty, there are internal sutures, and excessive activity or stretching prematurely can tear or disrupt one or more of them.

However, it is more likely that you simply stretched a recovering sensory nerve, or stimulated a pectoralis muscle spasm (like a chest charley-horse), rather than tearing a stitch.

If you are asking, you may be "doing a bit much," but some movement and arm use is both normal and appropriate, and these sensations are usually normal! Take it easy and follow your surgeon's activity restrictions. In the absence of unusual swelling or persistent pain, what you are describing happens to most patients and is a normal part of recovery. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

I am glad that your recovery and result thus far have been pleasing.  Typically, there are not internal stitches that are deep enough to cause the symptoms that you described.  You should visit with your PS to address your concerns.

Dr. ES

Thank you for your question.  Early postop it is important to reduce activites to prevent pulling of sutures and other potential complicaitons.  At this point, a dislodged suture should not cause a major problem.   I would recommend reducing your activities.  All the best.