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

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

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.