Discomfort with a permanent suture. Can it be removed?

Question

I had upper/lower blepharoplasty 5 weeks ago. I end up with different size eyes. My PS pull the one lower eyelid too much up doesn't look natural. Something was rubbing my eyeball and I saw a suture inside the corner. My PS told me it is a permanent suture. It feels very uncomfortable and a constant pulling up of my eyelid. Can the suture be remove? If it is removed the eyelid will drop a little bit so it can look better or it can be worst? Should I have it remove soon or should I wait? Thanks!

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Permanent sutures can not be exposed to the exterior of the body. This can happen for a variety of reasons.  One the stitch end has worked its way out, it must be removed.  Failure to do so will result in the stitch getting infected and forming a stitch abscess.  Also uncomfortable stitches need to come out.  If your plastic surgeon does not want to here this, I recommend seeing an oculoplastic surgeon in your area and getting this handled-immediately.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

If it is really a permanent suture that is exposed you need to have it removed.  Or it will always be exposed and bothering you.  At 5 weeks the suture can be removed without the whole lid falling.  So that should not be a concern.

Bhupendra C.K. Patel, MD, FRCS · Answer

Depending upon your age and also upon how much surgery was done (fat grafts, fat transfer, muscle removal, skin removal, etc, etc), surgeons may elect to "over-correct" the corner of the eyelids on one or both sides for a reason. As long as your surgeon is happy with progress, I would follow his guidance. If a suture is irritating you, that is another issue: he can trim or remove it. However, at five weeks, it may be a little early to worry about asymmetry. See your surgeon and be clear about your concern: no substitute for specific discussion about concerns with your surgeon.Sincerely,Prof. Bhupendra C. K. Patel MD, FRCS

Ira Vidor, MD · Answer

Hi. If a suture is irritating your eye at 5 weeks post op, then it can usually be removed. Without photos or an exam, it is hard to say whether or not removing it will have any effect on your eyelid position (although typically it won't at 5 weeks post op, unless tissues are released during removal). I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Best regards, Ira Vidor, M.D.

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