It Depends on the Stitch

D.J. Verret, MD answers: How long until plastic surgery stitches dissolve?

I had upper eyelid surgery 8 days ago, and the doctor used dissolvable stitches. How long does it normally take for stitches to dissolve?  Is there anything I can do to make them dissolve faster?


D.J. Verret, MD
1 month ago
By D.J. Verret, MD - Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

Some sutures will dissolve, some have to be removed. Dissolvable sutures will dissolve at various rates from just a few days to several months. In general, you should not try to dissolve sutures before they are ready to come out. In the upper eyelids, sutures should remain for at least 5 days to ensure proper healing.

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More answers to “How long until plastic surgery stitches dissolve?”

A: Ask your doctor to remove stitches instead

Scott E. Kasden, MD
9 months ago
By Scott E. Kasden, MD - Dallas Plastic Surgeon

On your next visit, why don't you just ask him to remove them? Don't do anything to the surgical site without first consulting your surgeon.

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