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Difference Between Types of Stitches for Facelift?

asked 2 years ago by BrookeinCO in Colorado
Latest answer by Julio Garcia, MD
Question viewed 1,417 times
Tags: face, incision, rolling scar, scar, stitches, sutures

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.

18 answers to Difference Between Types of Stitches for Facelift?

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

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

The type of facelift stitches is not important to a good facelift.

What is important is that the surgeon is experienced with knowing how much tension to place and how to sew properly to make fine scars. Sutures are remove in 5-7 days.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

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
Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

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

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

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.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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.

Julio Garcia, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

lvcosmeticsurgery.com

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

Sigmund L. Sattenspiel, MD
Freehold Facial Plastic Surgeon

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
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

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

Deason Dunagan, MD
Huntsville Plastic Surgeon

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

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Focus on the expertise of the surgeon

Your question is a little concerning in that why are you concerned about the types of sutures and not the expertise of the plastic surgeon? HUM!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Don't micro-manage your surgery

Hi there- I would advise you to research your surgeon very carefully, including where he/she operates, and the anesthesia provider who will be involved in your care. Having said that, I think that it is NOT in your best interests (and may be destructive) for you to become involved in the decisions your surgeon may make regarding details of your surgery. Details like the exact type of suture material used, the techniques used in the skin closure, as well as the exact day your sutures are... more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

Face lift scars

Generally speaking as long as the sutures are fine and remvoed by 7 days it is highly unlikely that they will leave stitch marks. However, the width of the scar is more related to wound tension and properly placed stitches will minimize tension on the wound.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Consistently good results in facelift surgery

Suture type, closure technique, timing of removal, and avoidance of tension can all affect the results of your facelift scars, both the immediate and long term periods. I have found more consistent and better aesthetic results by careful placement of deep anchoring sutures (3-0,4-0 PDS) in the temporal, immediate supra-auricular, and infralobular areas. In addition, I place a xeroform strip dressing on both the front and back of the ear incisions which not only protects them, but also keeps... more

Jeffrey D. Hoefflin, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Many different types of sutures and staples are properly used

Experienced Plastic Surgeons vary greatly in their favorite techniques to close an incision. In my practice we use a combination of sutures that dissolve quickly, those that disolve slowly to maintain long term support, some that may be clear and others that have color, and staples - all during a typical full facelift and necklift. It is not the suture that counts, but rather the surgeon. Dr. Mayl

Nathan Mayl, MD
Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgeon

Types of Stitches in Face Lift

More important than the method of stitching, for example running, rolling or individual, is the size or thickness of the sutures and the day they are removed. Fine sutures called 5-0 or 6-0 nylon are usually the best and leave the least degree of marks. Secondly, the stitches should be removed on the 4th or 5th day. If they are left longer they usually leave marks depending upon the thickness of your skin.

Andrew Jacono, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

Stitches and stitch marks

In general, stitches that are in visible areas are buried, resorbable, or pull-outs that go under the skin. Stitches that go through the surface of the skin are very fine and are removed within 24-72 hours. Any long and the skin cells grow along the suture tunnel and create the unsightly stitch marks. Stitches placed in the hair-bearing scalp are more forgiving and often staples are used since they are faster to insert.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Stitches for facelift procedures

Sutures can be running or interrupted. Either technique can produce nice results as long as the sutures are removed in time. In my technique, I use both the running suture and the interrupted. The running suture is removed in 4 to 5 days and the interrupted in removed in 7 to 8 days. I feel that this produces the best looking scar. I hope this is helpful. Good luck with your procedure.