Is 12 days too long to leave stitches in after an upper eye lid surgery?

Question

I had an upper eye lift on May 13 and my surgeon does not want to take the stitches out until 12 days later, at my first follow up appointment. Everything I have read here says that that is too long. I am concerned.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

As sexy as the laser sounds, it devitalized the cut skin edge delaying healing.  For that reason, it is necessary to leave sutures in place for at least twice as long as an incision made with a cold steal scalpel.  If you did not have the incision made with a laser, most eyelid surgeons remove these eyelid sutures at day 6 or 7 to minimize millia, epithelial tunnels, and suture inflammation.  Your surgeon must have missed this lecture.  To be honest a few days seldom makes a big difference in the grand scheme of things.  Call the office and let them know you would be more comfortable having the sutures removed earlier.

Jill Hessler, MD · Answer

In general sutures are removed 4-7 days after eyelid surgery.Your surgeon may have reasoning why
they prefer to keep them in longer.I recommend inquiring with your surgeon about this timing.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

I agree that 12 days is a long time.  The classic length of time for facial sutures is 5-7 days.  Since I cannot think of a rational for this duration, its best to ask your Surgeon.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Sometimes sutures need to be left a little longer to allow the skin to heal properly.  Small sutures on the eyelid left over a week should not leave objectionable scars.  Your surgeon might be concerned about a possible dehiscence if they are taken out earlier.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

Most people remove the sutures anywhere from 5-10 days.  If they are sutures that dissolve they are usually gone by about day 10.  If not they can be removed.  Surgery done with a laser may need the sutures left in a few extra days.  Upper eyelid skin heals very nicely so at 12 days you should not have a problem with the scar if the sutures come out that day.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. If the "eyelid surgery" you are having performed is blepharoplasty, then typically sutures are removed between 5-8 days. Probably waiting 12 days will not dramatically change the results. You should ask your doctor for the reason to wait the extra few days. Perhaps there is a concern about wound healing. Good luck,

Kristin J. Tarbet, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Colleen, Thank you for your question. I prefer to take upper eyelid sutures out about 2 weeks, typically 14 days after surgery. There is a little give or take, based on scheduling availability for the patient and staff.Best!Kristin Tarbet, MD, FACS

Raghu Athre, MD · Answer

Normally sutures are removed with 5-7 days after upper eyelid blepharoplasty.  The exception to this is if the incisions were made with a laser.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello collensp,I would agree that most of us will take out sutures between day 5-7 for the upper eyelids.  However, your surgeon may have a reason for this time frame, so it is important to follow up closely with him or her.  Since you are concerned, I would recommend you call the office and find out why he prefers the longer time frame. I hope this helps and good luck.

Jeffrey K. Scott, MD · Answer

Upper eyelid sutures remaining in for 12 days is certainly longer than the typical time frame. However I would assume your surgeon has a reason for this. I would not expect any visible additional scarring from this 12 day time frame.

Is 12 days too long to leave stitches in after an upper eye lid surgery?

Answers (13)

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