How long after brachioplasty with lipo are the stitches removed? (Photo)

Question

I had my procedure done on May 7th and my dr has nor removed the stitches. I feel my arms tight and in some pain. Nothing horrible.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding when your sutures should be removed after a brachioplasty with liposuction. There is no universal timeline, as every plastic surgeon follows their own protocol for suture removal, and each patient heals at a different rate. However, in most cases, non-dissolvable sutures from a brachioplasty incision are removed between 10 to 21 days after surgery.

If your sutures have not yet been removed and you are experiencing tightness and pain, it is important to follow up with your surgeon as soon as possible. Some discomfort and a feeling of tightness are expected during healing, but prolonged pain or increasing discomfort could indicate excess tension on the incision or other healing concerns.

If your surgeon has used Prolene sutures, which are synthetic and non-absorbable, they may leave them in longer—typically 6 to 8 weeks—to reinforce the scar and prevent widening. Some surgeons even choose to leave these sutures in permanently. While Prolene sutures can provide additional strength to the healing incision, they can sometimes be visible under the skin, especially if they are blue.

Since you are feeling tightness and discomfort, I strongly recommend reaching out to your plastic surgeon to confirm when your sutures will be removed and to ensure your healing process is on track. Also, once your surgeon approves, using silicone cream and gel sheeting can help optimize scar healing.

Thank you for your question regarding suture removal after brachioplasty. If you have any further concerns, consult an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in arm lifts.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Ira H. Rex lll, MD · Answer

As far as I can tell from the photograph, it seems like you may have all of your sutures under the skin, except where it exits at the end. In that case, the suture probably wouldn't be removed for a couple of weeks. This can be a nice method of reducing extra scarring with external sutures.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the arm lifting procedure.  Different plastic surgeons will have different practices when it comes to every aspect of preoperative and postoperative care.  Best to call your plastic surgeon's office and ask the same question.  Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Orlando Llorente, MD · Answer

Stitches are usually removed 3 days to 3 weeks after surgery, depending on where they are and how quickly you heal. Your doctor may apply skin tape after the stitches are removed. Skin tape provides additional wound support. The tape can be removed in 3 to 7 days.

Amy Simon, MD, FACS · Answer

Keep in mind that each plastic surgeon has different procedures and
recommendations regarding postoperative care, so I would check in with your
board-certified plastic surgeon first.  If they have used dissolvable
sutures, then you may not need to have any sutures removed.  I hope this
information is helpful to you.  Best of luck!

How long after brachioplasty with lipo are the stitches removed? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Stitches removed after brachioplasty

Answer: Stitches removed after brachioplasty

Answer: Suture Usage in Melbourne, Florida

Answer: Suture Usage in Melbourne, Florida

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How long after brachioplasty with lipo are the stitches removed? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Stitches removed after brachioplasty

Answer: Stitches removed after brachioplasty

Answer: Suture Usage in Melbourne, Florida

Answer: Suture Usage in Melbourne, Florida

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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