The Endotine Brow Lift, Will Tacks Protrude from Scalp Causing Severe Pain and Infection? (photo)

If the surgery was 10 years ago, there is no danger in removing the endotines.  These should have resorbed years ago.  I agree with prior posts recommending removing the endotines in a minor office procedure.

Endotine (brand) fixation device should absorb in about 12 months. If they have not, or if you are having problems at the site of Endotine placement, they can and should be removed. 

We generally do not have many problems with "Endotines". We do not recommend the other "Ultratine" device. 

      This may be more complicated than just removing a foreign body.  Endotine devices are absorbable.  There may be other foreign materials involved here.

 

 

Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Endotine pain etc. 10 years later is not normal! You need to an experienced surgeon and possibly have a biopsy. I have never seen this after a few months to a year. 

A bad technology offering many post procedure issues! Best to have them removed in a minor surgery ASAP! 

After ten years it would be hard to imagine that the Endotine device has not resorbed completely as that is long after the polymers will have hydrolyzed. The 'simple' way to answer the device resorption question would be to reopen the scalp incision and look at the locations of where the devices were originally placed.

Your condition sounds a bit unusual as the endotine devise should dissolve after 1 year.  It is possible that there are retained bits of the material or suture material that is causing you to have recurrent infections, swelling and headaches.   You need to be examined to rule out any other cause for your problem. 

Endotine implants are normally gone in 9-12 months. If you are having trouble this late, you probably have suture material causing you the pain. there is probably some infection present that will not be resolved until the suture is removed.  It should be a simple procedure to open the area up and look. Good luck.

Yes, the sutures can erode through the skin causing infection and scars of the skin.  You should see the surgeon that placed the endotine sutures for possible treatment and suture removal.  This is always a possibility with any suture suspension facelift or browlift procedure which is why I do not use them.