3 weeks post op rhinoplasty, white stitch poking through outside of nose. Is this normal? (photo)

Question

Almost 3 weeks post rhinoplasty, I noticed this stitch poking out of the OUTSIDE of my nose which is very weird since all of those white stitches were only on the inside. I'm quite alarmed at how it came to poke through... I did my surgery overseas so I can't see my surgeon about it. I sent him a photo though and he said it's just a resorbable suture and I can trim it and the rest will dissolve on its own. I'm still concerned though, is this normal??

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is not normal for a stitch to poke out of the skin after rhinoplasty, but it is possible.  Your surgeon stated that the suture is dissolvable, but this could take several weeks to go away.  The simplest solution would be to see a surgeon near you and have it removed.  I would see a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon in your area.

Bryan W. Rubach, MD · Answer

This likely is a dissolvable suture that has come to the surface. I would contact your surgeon and this is easily removed in the office with minimal discomfort.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

It may be a suture from the inside as it looks like the surgery included an incision on the alar base. If you can't pull it out yourself, you can see a local plastic surgeon.

Raghu Athre, MD · Answer

I agree with the other DR answer on here.  Suture extrusion is not normal.  However it can happen.  It looks like a vicryl suture, and vicryl suture can "spit".  I would seek the advice of a FPS or PS near you.

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your photograph, the culprit appears to be a multifilament deep absorbable suture which has worked its way to the surface. This is not unusual. However, the remnants that protrude thru the skin should be removed to prevent unnecessary scarring. The segment under the skin surface will dissolve if it cannot be removed.
It may be best to see a local plastic surgeon or your primary care physician for extraction.
Best wishes...

3 weeks post op rhinoplasty, white stitch poking through outside of nose. Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Suture extruding....

Answer: Suture extruding....

Answer: A spitting suture

Answer: A spitting suture

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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

3 weeks post op rhinoplasty, white stitch poking through outside of nose. Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Suture extruding....

Answer: Suture extruding....

Answer: A spitting suture

Answer: A spitting suture

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.