Why haven't my stitches fully dissolved 3 months after a closed rhinoplasty? Is this normal? Surgery was in Miami, I'm in Denver

Question

There is still a line of stitching hanging on by a thread connected to what I can best describe as a small hole near the opening of my nostril. I don't see a hole, I just figure it must be one. I have started to take a qtip with peroxide to coat the hanging stitch & hole hoping this will cause It to dissolve. The hole used to become agitated before I started using the peroxide often. It looks like I have a constant booger hanging if you're at the right angle and I'm sick of it. Thank you.

Roberto E. Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Absorbable stitches after rhinoplasty are common to see. I would not worry about whether it will dissolve as it always does. Things that I recommend to my patients are frequent nasal saline irrigation and using Vaseline on a Q-tip at night time they should dissolve the stitch and if it becomes too cumbersome you can have somebody trim the stitch. I hope this helps

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

A suture can take longer than 3 months to absorb in some cases. You can trim any suture that is hanging out. RegardsDr Janjua

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

From your description, it seems that this should be looked at by a physician. Have you tried emailing photos to your surgeon? He might be able to recommend someone locally to take care of you. Otherwise, see your Primary Care Physician and he could recommend someone to see you if there is a need.

Randy J. Buckspan, MD (retired) · Answer

Most stitches used to close the incisions in the nose are the type that dissolves within 6 weeks.  But, that is only the part actually under the skin.  The knot and long tags are on the outside and do not dissolve.  What many people see for longer periods is that outside portion actually tied or stuck to nasal hair!  Trimming with a nose scissor will do the trick.  Hard to comment on the hole you see.  I cannot be certain without an exam, but call your plastic surgeon - he'll be able to tell you what to do.

Why haven't my stitches fully dissolved 3 months after a closed rhinoplasty? Is this normal? Surgery was in Miami, I'm in Denver

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