Am I Having an Allergic Reaction to Long Term PDS and Permanent Sutures Used on my Face Lift Performed 10 Months Ago?

The areas you describe all sound like they are associated with the suture line and are highly unlikely to have permanent sutures associated with them. This may represent local stitch or "suture abscesses" that can develop in areas were sutures once were. PDS, is a longer lasting absorbable suture, but would be mostly dissolved and should not be a factor at 10 months post surgery. The signs and symptoms you described should be thoroughly examined by a surgeon and I would suggest you return to your original surgeon for further evaluation.

It would be very unusual to have allergic reactions to permanent sutures. Depending on the type of absorbable sutures however the symptoms you describe are not uncommon during the first several months. By a year they should all be resolved. If still there please return to your plastic surgeon as their may be another explanation such as uneven plication of the SMAS layer. The PDS should be absorbed by now for most of the sizes commonly used.Resolving  Numbness is expected after all facelifts.

Irregularities in the SMAS layer after a face lift can be caused by non-dissolving suture or bunching if the SMAS was plicated. Do you know if the SMAS was lifted and a piece removed? Any permanent sutures can be safely removed at this point without effecting your results as long as the SMAS was lifted and a piece removed.

The areas described all sound like they are associated with the incision line and are highly unlikely to have permanent sutures associated with them.  PDS, albeit a longer lasting absorbable suture, should not be a factor at 10 months. The signs and symptoms described require an examination and I recommend you return to your operating Surgeon for further evaluation.

Any suture that dissolves should be completely gone by 10 months. Obviously, permanent sutures don't dissolve, but you shouldn't be having any sort of reaction to them at this stage. Swelling and numbness are normal after a facelift and should slowly improve over 6-12 months. The areas you are describing seem to be along the incision lines and may just be related to your scars maturing. It takes scars about a year to mature, so the timing seems right. I'd recommend seeing your surgeon so the area can be evaluated. I will frequently treat symptoms like yours with a small injection of dilute steroid. It often makes the itchiness, redness, and bumpiness resolve quickly.

 

Andrew C. Campbell, M.D.

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon