Difference Between Types of Stitches for Facelift?

If a doctor uses a rolling stitch, instead of the very fine sutures I have seen used by some physicians for facelift incisions, is it more likely to leave a visible incision? Does it make a difference on what day post-op the sutures are removed? Thank you.

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18 Doctor Answers | Asked by BrookeinCO in Colorado

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Facelift stitching technique

The particulars of what type of stitch your surgeon uses are not as important as the skill and experience he/she possesses. Standard techniques include what you have mentioned. As long as undue tension is avoided and fine (5-0 or smaller) sutures are used, and removed in a timely fashion (a week or so or less), the wounds should heal well. In addition, the wound care the patient provides (after instruction) is equally (if not more) important. At this time in my practice, this includes... more

Sam Most, MD

23 reviews

Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drmost.com

Factors that effect face lift scars

It does not matter what type of sutures are used on a facelift. One of the three most important things regarding the incisions for a facelift is placement of the incision. Where the incision is placed initially is a very critical factor as to how it will heal. The second critical factor is tension placed on the skin. Wide glide scars ensue when too much tension is placed on the skin, which causes a wind tunnel look. The third most important part of the facelift incision is that the... more

Effect of sutures on facelift scars

It is important how sutures are placed, and how much tension is used to close the incisions. Sutures should be removed as soon as possible, but not too quickly so the wound falls apart. Buried sutures in some places tend to produce better healig that sutures placed in an over- over fashion. However sutures must sometimes be placed individually in very tricky areas such as the earlobe, especially if the earlobe is being changed and reconstructed. Unless you actually become a plastic... more

The suturing technique isn't the important consideration between facelift surgeons

There are many ways to close the skin and as long as the stitches are done without undue tension and are removed in a timely fashion, the exact details of the suture material and technique should not be of great concern to you. Suffice it to say, the best facelift surgeons all know how to sew the skin well. It is these doctors whom you want - after all, it's the only face you've got and it is not the time to go for a discount surgery.

Different suture techniques

As long as the running over and over stitch is not pulled too tightly and it is removed at the same day post-operatively, there should be no difference in the quality of the scar.

Different types of stitches for facelift

Each surgeon performs skin closures in a different manner according to his or her personal preference and personal results. In general, interrupted or continuous sutures may be placed using thin sutures. These sutures are placed without tension and are usually removed at about 5 days post-op. The method of skin closure may vary epending upon the use of subcutaneous absorbable sutures at strategic locations. There are some surgeons that use dissolvable sutures and some surgeons even use a... more

Stitches for Facelift Closure

Every surgeon has their own nuances in surgical of technique, including wound closure. Do not pick your surgeon on the basis of sutures used, but rather on his/her results. I have had surgery myself and never asked or knew what material was used.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Sutures vary by surgeon, picking the surgeon is more important

Various sutures are placed at various key points during a facelift based on the requirements of the location and the surgeon. Suture removal post-op is completed as soon as the wound-healing process allows for most areas. Suture technique varies from surgeon to surgeon and since most plastic surgeons are very concerned about you achieving your best personal appearance, it is unlikely that a reputable surgeon will utilize poor technique. You might find it more valuable to focus your research... more

Limits to online research

Dear Brookein Please don't choose your facelift surgeon based on what type of sutures they use. I teach a lot of regional and national course. Inveriably after discussing some detailed surgical procedure, some surgeon in the audience will raise their hand and ask what suture did I use. With rare exception, what suture one used is immaterial: One could use all most any suture. We all have our preferences for various reasons. Ultimately there are many ways to close a facelift.... more