2 weeks after upper-blepharoplasty incisions haven't healed enough to remove the stitches. Why? Could body reject thread?(Photo)

Question

Bled too much during surgery, (not a drinker, smoker, no blood thinning vit. supplements for 2 wks before surgery, never had this problem, not diabetic). Had upper blepharoplasty 5 yrs ago, no problem, too little fat removed - dissolvable stitches. Now, 1wk post, doctor tried to remove stitches, said there was NO healing. 4 days later, still none. Got re-stitched, +plus glue & tape. 2 wks post = 0 closure. Why is one upper eye-lid dragging down? Told this eye has no septum. Help pls.

Samuel Baharestani, MD, FACS · Answer

This is very unusual and I'm sorry that you have had a difficult recovery after blepharoplasty.  For many patients, a small wound dehiscence will close normally with the natural action of blinking bringing the incision together.  You may be sleeping on your face or rubbing the lids at night, causing them to open.  In your case I would re-suture the incision, place steri-strips over it, and have you wear a plastic shield at bedtime.  Good luck!

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Dehiscence is more common if deeper layers including the eye muscle orbicularis oculi has not been stitched together with absorbable sutures such as Vicryl that can last for 2-3 months.  In any case, most open wounds well-healed nicely in the beginning and do not require Suturing immediately.In fact most of the times it suturing is done on a dehiscent wound It will not take because the tissues are raw and inflamed.  It is best to let the healing complete for 2-3 weeks and revisit the wound at that time.RegardsDr. J

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

Some patients will have some dehiscence or opening of their scar after the sutures come out.   This is seen more commonly if sutures are removed too early after the surgery, but can also occur after 10-12 days.  When this happens, I do not re-suture.  I let the wound heal on its own which it will within about 1-2 weeks.  In almost all cases the scar looks good and no revision is needed.  In your case:  get the sutures out and let it heal.

Soheila Rostami, MD, FAAO, FAACS · Answer

We usually recommend to have the sutures to be removed for upper eyelid blepharoplasty after no more than one week.  Sometime, if we use laser to make the incision, we leave the sutures in for about 10 days. I can't explained way you need to have your sutures should stay for two weeks. Please, discuss this with your surgeon.

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

Hi,

Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help you.

Be patient and allow your body time to heal. This will take several weeks.

Best wishes,

Dr. Michael J. Brown
Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Upper lid sutures come out within only a few says after surgery.  Much more information would be required to give an opinion in this case.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Only in person second opinion could offer an explanation from the medical/surgical point of view............

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Your story is a bit unusual. Most sutures can be removed within 4-7 days after the procedure without any sequelae.  However, some people fall out of the normal curve.

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

Its impossible to tell. Only your surgeon (facial or occuloplastic surgeon) would know what happened and why the wound is not healing. Keep in close follow up with your surgeon until fully healed.

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2 weeks after upper-blepharoplasty incisions haven't healed enough to remove the stitches. Why? Could body reject thread?(Photo)

Answers (9)

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