Stitches Came off 2 Days After Blepharoplasty

Question

I had Blepharoplasty 4 days ago, and my stitches came out on the second day. Is that bad? Everything looks sealed tight, but I wanted to make sure nothing is wrong.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing the question. It is not uncommon for sutures to become loose or broken following blepharoplasty. As long as the wound remains closed, it will not compromise the results and in some cases can actually make the scar look better. If the wound opens, the surgeon must be notified. I hope this helps other patients with similar concerns.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

A variety of suture techniques are utilized to close blepharoplasty incisions. Depending upon the method utilized, suture removal varies from patient to patient. In most cases, sutures are removed four to seven days after surgery.Occasionally when absorbable sutures are utilized, they prematurely detach from the wound edges. This only represents a problem, if wound separation subsequently occurs.In your case, your wound margins haven't separated. Under these circumstances, you should have normal wound healing and minimal scarring.If you continue to be concerned about the potential for scarring, it's appropriate to consult your surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to reassure you and alleviate your anxiety.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is a little early that they’ve come out already, and just in case you should let your surgeon know if they weren’t removed by him/her. If the incisions don’t look like they’ve opened up or are bleeding, you should be fine.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

That's quite early for the stitches to come out. It's best to talk to your surgeon about this, just to make sure that it's okay.

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

If it looks like it's healed over and sealed well, then there should be no problem. However, just in case you should let your surgeon know.

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

This should not be a problem unless undue stress is placed on the wound and it opens up.  Some surgeons use fast dissolving sutures and some use topical adhesive. Just me sure to inform your surgeon.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

It is important for you to let your surgeon know that the sutures came out.  However, if everything looks okay, then you should be fine.  We often take our sutures out after three days for blepharoplasty patients anyway - so, I would not be worried.  Enjoy your new eyes!
David Shafer, MD
Manhattan

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.  As always these are great questions to ask your surgeon.  There is no one who will understand more about the details of the procedure you received than the surgeon who did it.
Timing of suture removal can be important in terms of healing and minimizing scar formation.  In my San Francisco area practice I use a combination of a "running subcuticular" suture that tends to minimize scarring instead of the more familiar "running stitch".  And even with this technique I still usually remove my sutures at day 4.
Ask your surgeon - but sounds like you're on your way to a great result.
I hope this helps.
Steven Williams, MD

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

I normally remove eyelid sutures two to three days post operatively.  The eyelids heal very quickly and delaying suture removal can affect the scar.  Early suture detachment should not be a problem but, as with anything in your postop course, you should inform your plastic surgeon.

James Tang, MD · Answer

How long eyelid stitches should remain depend on location of the stitches. I generally remove upper eyelid sutures in three to five days and lower eyelid sutures in five to seven days. If the stitches are in the upper eyelid and they came out after one or two days, generally that is not a problem. It sounds like that you have had no problems with the stitches coming out after two days. I would not worry about it.

Stitches Came off 2 Days After Blepharoplasty

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