Scarring concern from open Rhinoplasty with dissolvable stitches

The type of suture (stitches) used to close the columellar incision (incision between the nostrils) in open rhinoplasty has less of an impact on the visibility of the scar than the surgeon's skill and attention to detail. While dissolvable sutures such as "chromic" and "fast-absorbing-gut"... more

Revision rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult, humbling operations I perform. I couldn't imagine getting a favorable, predictable result without the small columella incision. I typically use 3 permanent sutures, and 2 absorbable sutures to close the columella. This is done purely out of habit, since that's... more

Incisions in the columella of the nose tend to heal well regardless of the type of suture used. If the skin edges are well aligned and allowed to heal for an appropriate time the results are usually excellent. If the dissolvable sutures have not fallen out by two weeks the surgeon will usually remove them.

Your columellar skin incision will typically heal well, regardless of the type of suture. We frequently use absorbable sutures in the facial skin. These stitches always fallout. If they are irritating you, ask your surgeon to remove them.