What is the typical diameter of the needle you use in rhinoplasty?

Question

Hi, this might be a little bit of a technical question. Often a so called 4-0 suture is mentioned on many of your rhinoplasty websites, which is a suture diameter of approximately 0.15 mm I guess. What is the typical diameter of the needle you use in rhinoplasty?

Barbara L. Persons, MD, FACS · Answer

There are three important points about suture.

	1. absorbable vs nonabsorbable

	2. size and type of needle (measured by diameter of curvature of suture--they have different shapes)

	3. size of the suture. (2-0 is thicker than 5-0 of the same material.)

	 

	These together help you choose the proper material for closure, strength, absorbability. Most plastic surgeons commonly use 5-0 and up (a 6 or 7-0 is like a strand of hair.) We wear loupes which helps us see clear suture! From a patient perspective, what matters most is--will sutures be removed, how long can I feel them. Sometimes the knots especially over delicate skin near bone tend to bother patients a little. 

	 

	There are a variety of styles, but I am sure your surgeon has one that works well.

	 

	Best of luck!

	Barbara Persons

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

At least in my hands, a 5-0 suture on a P-3 needle is the most common one used during rhinoplasty.  P-3 needles are reverse-cutting and shaped like a triangle.

What is the typical diameter of the needle you use in rhinoplasty?

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What is the typical diameter of the needle you use in rhinoplasty?

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.