Stitch left in after rhinoplasty. Is it safe to leave it until my next appointment?

Question

I had my stitches out last week, after rhinoplasty but have just noticed one has been left in. Is this safe till my next appointment in two weeks as getting to the clinic before is not an option.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is safe to leave a stitch from rhinoplasty for your next appointment.Many stitches are self absorbable and will disappear with time.  If the stitch is permanent it can be removed on the next appointment without any harm done while you're waiting.RegardsDr. J

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You didn't mention whether the stitch is on the inside or the outside of the nose. Either way, it would be a good idea for you to reach out to your plastic surgeon's office, let them know about the stitch, and ask for their recommendation. Leaving it in until your next appointment shouldn't be a problem, but it would be best to alert your plastic surgeon and follow his or her protocol in this situation.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us.It's safe to wait until your next appointment. The nasal swelling Post-op It can last from two weeks to two months.To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Ryan Mitchell, DO, FAOCO · Answer

Hello, In the closure of surgical incisions both absorbable and non-absorbable sutures are used to close the wounds.  Occasionally a non-absorable suture is missed during the post-operative suture removal visit.  These retained sutures will typically not cause any significant problems if left in place for 2-3 weeks.  However, the longer the suture is left in place the higher chance of developing a visible suture track (scar) occurs.  Sometimes an absorbable suture, especially PGA (Polyglycolic Acid) "spits" through the skin and needs to be removed.  PGA is a commonly used braided absorbable suture used in the deeper wound closure.  PGA suture can take 6 months or more to completely absorb.  It is not uncommon for this type of suture to poke through the skin and require removal.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Some sutures are allowed to dissolve on their own, especially ones inside the nose or along alar excisions.  I would leave these in place until your surgeon removes them.

Paul E. Goco, MD · Answer

Medway10Thanks for your question.  Continue to clean around the incision and suture with hydrogen peroxide two to three times a day and apply an antibiotic ointment like bacitracin.  If the skin around the suture appears red and infected, see your surgeon right away.  They may get you in and just remove it.  If the skin around it looks fine, you could wait if you wanted.  If you were my patient, I would get you in and remove it just for completeness sake.  Take care!!!!

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  If you are talking about an external stitch (as opposed to one inside the nostril), you should have this removed prior to the next appointment.  If you don't, its not the end of the world, but it may leave a small mark where the suture enters and exits the skin (railroad tracking).  Likely, one stitch isn't going to cause anything unsightly, but I would recommend contacting your surgeon to see if they can fit you in for a quick visit to remove it.  It obviously shouldn't take more than a minute or two to remove.  All the best!

Julian W. Dixon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Occasionally small sutures may be left behind after the first post operative visit. If this is a permanent stitch it is unlikely to cause any problems, the worst case scenario would be if in became a little buried in the skin. If it is an absorbable suture then it will slowly unravel and come apart. Obviously its best to contact your surgeon as they will know what suture was used. Hope this helps.

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

Contact your surgeon to get their opinion.  In some cases removal is important to prevent scaring of the area.  Good luck.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

If the stitch left is internal, it should be fine to leave it in until your next appointment.  If the stitch is external, see your surgeon prior to your scheduled appointment.

Stitch left in after rhinoplasty. Is it safe to leave it until my next appointment?

Answers (10)

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