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Pulled Dissolvable Stitch out After Rhinoplasty

asked 3 years ago by denver21gal in USA
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 16,742 times

I had a tip Rhinoplasty on 2/27/09, and while I was cleaning my nose on the right side today (around a week after surgery), I pulled out my dissolvable stitch, thinking it was hair. Will this affect my long term result? How long does it take for dissolvable stiches to dissolve? Will my right nostril be uneven because of this? Thank you!

7 answers to Pulled Dissolvable Stitch out After Rhinoplasty

+3

Don't pick your nose after surgery

This should have little consequences if it was used to close the skin layer (lining of the nostril). Generally, stitches which structure and support the nose shape will be buried deep in the nasal tip, and not be accessible to your finger. With that being said, avoid touching the nose. Gentle cleansing of the lining can be achieved with half strength peroxide soaked q-tips if approved by your surgeon. Use of a saline nasal spray will help keep the lining moist and comfortable as well. ... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Will not affect rhinoplasty results

It is not a problem to pull a dissolvable stitch out of the nose within the first two weeks after rhinoplasty. This is a normal appearance, and they do tend to fall out once the tensile strength of the stitch has weakened, and will not affect the long-term results of the rhinoplasty. Most dissolvable stitches dissolve out between one and two weeks after the rhinoplasty.
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

+2

You will be fine

The best advice is to leave your nose alone after surgery. It is very tempting to start messing with it and trying to keep it clean. However, you do not want to disrupt anything. A stitch coming out 10 days later is likely no big deal. However, if you have concerns, then you should see your doctor for an examination. Good luck.
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

The Rhinoplasty sutures did their job

It sounds like you removed a suture that was placed to reapproximate the internal nasal lining (mucosa). The mucasa heals very quickly: after 1 week, the sutures are usually not needed any longer and are meant to melt away. This should not impair the end-result of your rhinoplasty procedure.
Frank P. Fechner, MD

Worcester Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drfechner.com

+1

No problem if it's dissolvable stitch

If what you took out is a suture that was meant to stay in for longer periods of time, then it may not be good. All plastic surgeons can tell you what they personally do, but the only surgeon that matters is your own. Call him/her up and tell them what happened. Get their vote of approval or check it out.
Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

No Worries

There are a number of dissolving sutures used in the nose. I tend to use chromic, but no matter. The sutures will usually fall out at about 7 10 days all by themselves, but that can vary. At this point, the stitch did its job, and you should be fine. Just examine your nose, and if nothing is changed, just tell you doctor on next visit. scottkinfw@msn.com www.drkasden.us
Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

And They Said "No Strings Attached"...Pulling Out Dissovable Suture a Week After Rhinoplasty

Hi Denver gal, As one of my fellow residents in training used to say, "NTW". Not to worry. The stitches could be removed after 5-7 days without affecting the outcome of your rhinoplasty. The time that dissolvable sutures take to dissolve varies depending upon the moisture, between 10 to 21 days. Do not pull too vigorously on anything else though. My fellow resident also was fond of saying, "Jacuzzi to me Stat!” which sounds like a good idea for me right about now. ... more
Michael A. Persky, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

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