Is is standard for a PS to stitch the small holes after liposuction?

Question

This will be the second time I have had liposuction but with a new doctor. She will stitch the holes afterwards and I have to go back a week later to have the stitches removed. I didn't have stitches the first time with the other doctor. I thought they were left open for drainage of the fluid.

Keith M. Blechman, MD · Answer

Either technique is totally acceptable.  In my practice I place a single dissolveable stitch across the incision so that fluid can still drain but the scar heals more nicely since the edges are approximated better than without a stitch. This aspect of the surgery is a minor technical point, however and is really just a matter of what the surgeon is used to doing.  Make sure your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery before going ahead with your procedure.  Good luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I used to suture up liposuction holes but in the past few years has ceased to do so. I don't really think it makes any difference and it saves the patient the inconvenience of having the sutures removed.

Kevin G. Rose, MD · Answer

I prefer to close my incisions but with an absorbable stitch so you don't have to get them removed.  It is a personal preference, but this way is a lot easier for the patient as there is little to no drainage.

David Tauber, MD · Answer

Liposuction is performed through small stab incisions in the
skin. At the completion of the case these incisions can be closed with either
buried absorbable sutures or removal surface sutures – surgeon preference.
Closing the incisions helps prevent leakage of fluid (which can be messy) and may promote a better scar. The incisions can also be left open. Leaving the incisions open may allow
the fluid to drain and may decrease the post-operative swelling.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would not worry about this aspect as either is acceptable.  The results of liposuction are highly surgeon dependent.  Many are conservative, few create dramatic results.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  There is no standard when it comes to closing the tiny incisions made when doing liposuction.  I prefer to close these incisions loosely with a few dissolving sutures under the surface of the skin, which still allows the excess fluid to escape but does not leave a visible hole.  Other reputable surgeons do not use stitches at all.  I am assuming these surgeons also achieve good results or they would change their technique.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

I typically suture them closed since you get a better scar but slightly increased swelling.  That being said, both approaches are within the standard of care.

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

I'd say that many surgeons were trained to close the wounds but recently many physicians will leave the wounds open. Fluid will drain out either way. Some type of wound approximation either with steristrips or sutures will allow for better wound healing at the incision sites.  Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Some surgeons close them and others do not. It really is personal preference. Good luck with your second procedure.

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

Either way is fine. Doctors who leave the holes open believe that allowing fluid to drain from the holes leads to less swelling and a better result. I have tried both ways and have not noticed a difference. I prefer to close the holes with a single stitch that I remove in a week. Leaving the holes open can be very messy for the patient and can detract from the experience of having liposuction.

Is is standard for a PS to stitch the small holes after liposuction?

Answers (15)

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