I am 5 weeks in and having a pain in my nipple. I am curious if it could be a stitch working its way out, or if it is something i should be worried about?
How Long Will It Take Sutures to Dissolve After a Breast Reduction?
Doctor Answers (4)
Breast Reduction and Sutures?
Thank you for the question.
Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction surgery; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.
Dissolvable sutures may last anywhere from several weeks to approximately 8 months after surgery.
If you're having specific concerns you should follow up with your plastic surgeon to have them addressed directly.
Absorbable sutures and breast reduciton
This depends on the sutures used. However, generally speaking, most absorbably sutures beneath the skin rarely dissolve prior to 3 weeks and can persist as long as 6 months. Skin Sutures can absorb as fast as 5 days or longer depending on their composition.
Breast reduction sutures
Breast reduction sutures usually lose stregnth within a few weeks and then dissolve over a few months time. The pain can be many things. You should see your doctor.
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Painful Nipple after Breast Reduction
Internal stitches are NOT painful. They serve as internal splints allowing and guiding scar adherence of tissues in their new locations. The inside sutures used in Breast Reduction surgery usually dissolve and lose their strength in 6-8 weeks.
See your surgeon so he/she can determine if you have another process that could be causing discomfort such as a small fluid collection or area of fat necrosis both of which are correctable.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.