Stitches

Mine were all internal and dissolved but I had the dressings on for about 7-10 days.

I had a lumpectomy and SLNB too. I don't know how many stitches I had as they were covered by the dressing and by the time that was completely removed they had dissolved.

Hi NanaQueen, sorry to hear you have to have a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy . I had something similar (sentinel node removal maybe same thing just different terminology depending on surgeon). I had a scar around the outside of my nipple area  that went about half way round and then about a 4 cm scar under the edge of my armpit for the sentinel nodes (I only had 2 show up) to be removed. I can’t say how many stitches as my incisions were somehow stitched in the inside so I had no stitches to the outside of the scars all dissolvable. Both healed well. I had to have axillary lymph node removal too which my surgeon went back in through the same sentinel node scar. This time is was longer probably about 6-7cm and again stitched on the inside. I have 1 little stitch that shows on the outside which I think is where the end of the last scar was and where my surgeon had to open it up a little longer so there is possible extra scar tissue there. The rest of this scar has healed nicely. I do find that the exercises help as it is tight under the arm. I’m sorry I could say how many stitches but maybe someone else will be able to answer this for you. It may also depend on your surgeon too as to whether they put stitches on the outside. 
Wishing you all the best for your journey.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

I coukdnt count them because they were hidden under my dressing.  They were dissolvable too so once dressing was off, I couldn’t see them.  I think it looked more like a running stitch! 

I don't think anybody will be able to give you a definitive answer because I guess all surgeons have their own particular way of doing things, and it would depend on the size of the incision.  I had dissolvable stitches and glue.

Best wishes for your treatment.