How Long Does It Take For Stitches To Dissolve After Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that aims to alleviate physical and emotional discomfort caused by large or asymmetrical breasts. It involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create a smaller and more proportionate breast size. One of the most important aspects of a successful recovery is wound healing, which involves the use of stitches. However, patients often wonder how long it takes for their stitches to dissolve after breast reduction. In this article, we will discuss the timeline for dissolvable stitches and provide answers to frequently asked questions.

Timeline for Dissolvable Stitches

Breast reduction surgery typically involves using dissolvable stitches, which start to break down and absorb into the skin within two to three weeks after surgery. The timeline for dissolvable stitches can vary depending on factors such as the patient’s overall health, the type of sutures used, and the surgeon’s technique. However, as a general rule, stitches in non-weight-bearing areas such as the skin around the breast area may dissolve faster than those in weight-bearing areas such as the breast itself.

First Week

During the first week after breast reduction surgery, the patient will experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the treated area. The surgeon will typically apply a surgical bra or compression garment to reduce swelling and support the breast tissue. In addition, they will prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection.

The dissolvable stitches will be covered with steri-strips or surgical tape during the first week to help minimize tension in the incision area. Patients should avoid touching or removing the tape or steri-strips on their own and wait until their surgeon removes them during the follow-up appointment.

Second Week

In the second week of recovery, the swelling and bruising will gradually start to fade away, and the patient will begin to regain some mobility in their upper body. During this time, the surgeon may remove the steri-strips or tape to check the incision area and ensure that the wound is healing properly.

The dissolvable stitches will likely start to dissolve during this period, though some may take longer to dissolve than others. The surgeon will monitor the progress and determine whether any stitches require removal to prevent complications such as infection or suture granulomas.

Third Week and Beyond

By the third week of recovery, most patients will begin to feel more comfortable, and the incision site will start to close gradually. The dissolvable stitches will continue to dissolve during this period, and any remaining sutures will likely dissolve by the sixth week after surgery.

It is essential to attend all follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing progress and prevent potential complications. Patients should also avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting or exercise for at least six weeks after surgery to prevent damage to the incision area.

FAQs

1. How long do dissolvable stitches take to dissolve after breast reduction?

Dissolvable stitches used in breast reduction surgery typically take two to six weeks to dissolve completely. However, the timeline may vary depending on various factors such as the patient’s general health, the type of sutures used, and the surgeon’s technique.

2. What happens if the dissolvable stitches do not dissolve after breast reduction?

If the dissolvable stitches do not dissolve after breast reduction, they may cause issues such as suture granulomas, infections, or delayed wound healing. In such cases, the surgeon may need to remove any non-dissolvable sutures manually to prevent the complication from getting worse.

3. Can dissolvable stitches cause scarring after breast reduction?

Dissolvable stitches used in breast reduction surgery do not typically cause scarring as they dissolve entirely after the tissue has healed. However, scarring may occur if the patient has a sensitive skin type, scars abnormally, or experiences wound complications during the recovery period.

4. Can I shower with dissolvable stitches after breast reduction surgery?

Most surgeons recommend avoiding showers for the first week after breast reduction surgery to prevent water from getting into the incision area. However, after the first week, patients can generally resume taking showers, provided they keep the incision area clean and avoid soaking in a bathtub or pool for at least six weeks after surgery.

5. When can I resume regular activities after breast reduction surgery?

Patients should avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting or exercise for at least six weeks after breast reduction surgery to prevent damage to the incision area. They may resume light activities such as walking or gentle stretching after 2-3 weeks, depending on their recovery progress and the surgeon’s advice.

Conclusion

Dissolvable stitches used in breast reduction surgery are an essential component of wound healing and are designed to break down gradually over time. The timeline for dissolvable stitches may vary depending on various factors, and patients should attend all follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their recovery progress effectively. By following the surgeon’s post-operative instructions and taking adequate measures to care for the incision area, patients can achieve optimal results and enjoy a more comfortable and proportional breast size.