How easy or difficult is it to accidentally move the wrong way and rupture internal stitches?

Question

How easy or difficulty is it if you accidentally moved the wrong way to rupture internal stitches after a face and neck lift and if you did how would you know any damage had been done

Stephen M. Krant, MD, FACS · Answer

Rest assured it would be extremely difficult to "rupture" the internal sutures. These sutures will usually absorb within 6-12 weeks, depending on the type and size of the sutures.
Be smart when you start exercising and working out. There is always normal swelling postop. You can control this with proper use of anti-inflammatory meds, reduction of salt intake, limiting sun exposure. Also, if there is persistent swelling/edema, you can arrange to have a massage therapist do manual lymphatic drainage. Good luck!

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.The answer to your question, the sutures are very strong and the chance of them coming apart are very slim! Typically the stitches are separate and they typically absorb within a space of 6-8 weeks. Whilst you're going through the healing process, it is easy to feel a little delicate and a little tight and sensitive, however, the sutures are much stronger than you think. After surgery, your body has healed well enough that hit is very unlikely to become an issue.If you have any concerns, best to revert back to your plastic surgeon for help and advice.Good luck!

Keshav Magge, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is not easy to rip the internal sutures after a face/ neck lift.  I ask my patients to take it easy, but to be up and around.  If something were to “break” you would generally know by the incision opening up or swelling in the area- but honestly, it is not something I think you should stress about.  All the best,

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Immediately after your surgery and while you are healing, you certainly could move enough to rupture a suture.  However, this would have a large movement which would probably be painful at that point.  Once you are fully healed after your surgery (typically in 4 weeks), you should be able to resume your normal activities without having to worry about rupturing a suture.  It is important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions just as they were given to you.  Be sure to consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation procedures.  I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

Thuy-Van Tina Ho, MD · Answer

Dear greystones,
Thank you for your question. I instruct my patients to avoid straining, strenuous activity, and heavy lifting over 10 pounds for 2 weeks to maximize healing. As long as you follow the activity restriction guidelines of your surgeon, it should be unlikely for a suture to rupture or an area to be undone with movement. If you are concerned that a suture as popped or an area of tissue has loosened, you should consider contacting your surgeon right away.

Thomas Romo, III, MD · Answer

Good question. There are several layers of sutures placed when a face lift is done. There are the superficial sutures, in front of the ears or maybe under the chin. And there are the deeper sutures, holding fascia and muscles together. Either way, it should be rather difficult to pop or rupture these sutures. You would recognize if you are pulling on the sutures to hard because it would be painful. If you actually break a suture, you need to notify your surgeon who would know if it's a problem or not.

Cameron Raine, MBChB, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Not easy! Depending on the type of face lift undertaken the sutures are generally very secure and there will typically be a number of them so the improvement is not dependant on a single suture. As the body heals the importance of the sutures diminishes with most of us now using sutures that absorb completely by 3 months. If you become concerned for any reason during your recovery seek the advice of your plastic surgeon to make sure all is well.

Best wishes,
Cameron

Best wishes,
Cameron

Michael Eisemann, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Rupturing an internal suture is an uncommon complication of facelift surgery and can be very difficult to do. Recovery following a facelift can take up to four weeks, after which your body has generally healed enough to resume all normal activities. So long as you follow your plastic surgeon’s post-op instructions immediately following your procedure, future rupture is unlikely.

If you have any additional questions about your procedure or you are worried you have damaged a suture, contact your board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns. Hope this helps!
Michael Eisemann M.D.
Plastic Surgeon
Houston, Texas

If you have any additional questions about your procedure or you are worried you have damaged a suture, contact your board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns. Hope this helps!
Michael Eisemann M.D.
Plastic Surgeon
Houston, Texas

Paul S. Howard, MD · Answer

It is very difficult to pop a stitch after facelift surgery. After 6 months or so the tissues have healed in place and the sutures are not as necessary. Second, most surgeons use interrupted sutures so there may be more than one suture doing the job so the loss of a suture is not a problem. If you actually break a support suture you may get pain and a touch of swelling and bruising. Either way it is rare to have the need to replace the suture.

Paul Blair, MD · Answer

It's not easy.  You would really have to twist your neck quickly and fully.  Doing some yoga poses too soon after surgery may pop a stitch.  Trauma to the area may rupture a stitch as well.  If a suture would break you may feel or hear a pop.  Also, if a suture broke you may see some relaxation in the area. Follow-up with your surgeon as soon as possible to assess the situation.

How easy or difficult is it to accidentally move the wrong way and rupture internal stitches?

Answers (10)

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