Internal Stitch after Mohs surgery?

Question

I had Mohs surgery on my nose and just needed a few internal and a few external stitches. It has been 3 weeks since the external stitches were removed. I can now feel and see a white tip poking out of my stitch line that I assume must be an internal stitch. I have pulled slightly on it and it's not budging. How long should I wait and see if it comes out naturally on it's own or should I go in to my doctor immediately? My biggest concern is I don't want it to impede my scar healing.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

You may want to leave the suture intact until you see your surgeon. Premature removal of sutures may compromise the integrity of your closure. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian

Cody A. Koch, MD, PhD · Answer

I would recommend seeing your doctor to have it removed.  It is not uncommon that the sutures under the skin come to the surface before they dissolve.  Your doctor can easily remove this suture for you which will speed the healing process in that area and alleviate your concern.  Cody Koch, MD PhD

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

This happens sometimes. Instead of absorbing the stitch like it's supposed to, the body will try to get rid of it by getting it out of the skin. Just see your doctor to have it removed properly. It will be easy but something you should not do on your own. And it won't absorb or get better. You just need to be seen to have it removed.

Internal Stitch after Mohs surgery?

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