Stitches - dissolvable or not? How do you know?

If you are unsure of your post-op instructions, a simple call to your surgeon should take care of things. If there are sutures that need to be removed, you may need to travel back to Miami to have them taken out, if you are unable to find a local plastic surgeon to assume post-operative care of you. 

Every surgeon uses a different technique to close their incisions. As a general rule of thumb, however, sutures you can see typically need to be removed. Wound care and follow-up instructions are a key component of the surgical experience. Close follow-up with the surgeon is essential. 

You need to ask your surgeon  if they are dissolvable or not. He should also prescriber appropriate post-op instructions.  Best of luck.