Do dissolvable stitches produce better looking scars?

Question

Im wondering whether dissolvable stutures are better than regular ones. Is it a good idea I insist on my surgeon using dissolvable s. during breast augmentation ( invisible in an under breast fold) Heartfelt thanks.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The is no evidence that dissolvable sutures form better scars than removable ones.  Go with your surgeon's advice.  The vast majority or breast scars heal very nicely in either situation.

Christopher Khorsandi, MD · Answer

Usually it comes down to surgeon technique, as well as tissue genetics when dealing with scar.  I have not seen any advantage of using removable suture.

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question!  Wounds are generally closed in multiple layers - the deep layers are traditionally closed using dissolvable sutures, unless a permanent one is needed to create structure or hold tissue in a certain place.  The variation comes with the actual skin closure, and many surgeons have different thoughts.  Dissolvable sutures create more inflammation and redness as the body has to physically break down the product, thus causing more irritation.  Permanent sutures tend to cause less inflammation and redness as the body cannot break this down so your body does not react as much to them.  However with permanent sutures, they will need to be removed in the office, whereas the dissolvable ones will go away on their own.  Best of luck and hope this information helps!- Dr. Roger Tsai

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,I would imagine every surgeon on the planet that performs breast augmentation uses various types of dissolvable sutures to close deep layers of tissue, and the vast majority use them for the skin. Some might additionally use removable sutures in the skin too, though.Best of luck!

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

I agree with Dr. Lepore that the appearance of the scar depends upon the way in which it is closed, rather than the material it is closed with.  As well, your body's own natural scar forming characteristics.  Some people scars, even when closed meticulously, are more red and firm than others because that is how their body forms scars.  Some surgeons use non-dissolving stitches on the outside, but take them out after a week or so.  I would advise against leaving behind permanently any non-dissolving stitches in the breast as I think it is unnecessary and if one were to get infected it could cause issues. Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Using dissolvable sutures internally to close in layers takes tension off of the outer edges of the incision. This is very commonly done. The outside is usually closed with steri strips to hold the edges close together so that they can heal in a nice thin line. That said, your body's ability to heal and scar well, prevention of infection, not smoking, and all kinds of things will affect how well you scar. Your Plastic Surgeon's technique will help. I recommend that you talk with your Plastic Surgeon about their techniques, their recommendations for scar care afterwards,  and then be sure to do your part to ensure that you heal well. Take care

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Scarring is really dependant upon your surgeon's technique and your body's ability to heal. At this point, I believe most plastic surgeons (me included!) use absorbable sutures to close your incision in multiple layers. Good luck!!

Scott Greenberg, MD · Answer

I don't necessarily think it is the suture material that determines the quality of the scar.  There are many factors involved that determine the quality of scar healing including your skin type, the suture technique used (all under the skin vs outside sutures) and probably most important, who is doing the suturing.  I think that the best results are obtained with a method that involves sutures under the skin.  I tend to use both dissolvable and non-dissolvable sutures (that re pulled out) for this purpose depending on what the procedure is.

Tracy E. McCall, MD · Answer

We all have different preferences for this closure. Most of the time these incisions heal really well regardless of the suture type used. Sometimes we use different types of closures for different skin types. Your surgeon has the benefit of actually examining your skin and I would follow those recommendations. If you feel that you need to insist upon things with your surgeon, this may not be the surgeon for you. Perhaps you should get a second opinion? Confidence in one's surgeon is really important.

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Plastic surgeons and surgeons will use a variety of sutures (absorbable and non-absorbable)  and techniques to optimize skin closure while minimizing scarring. Some factors for scarring are beyond the control of the surgeon and patient. Most surgeons use dissolvable sutures in certain areas, and it has no effect on the final appearance of the scar in the infra-mammary location. It is best to discuss with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon his/her preference for sutures to minimize scarring and maximize wound healing.Benjamin J. Cousins MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Do dissolvable stitches produce better looking scars?

Answers (20)

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