What do I do with the sutures that didn't dissolve? (Photo)

Question

2weeks after resuturing and opening up, looks like my wound is finally closing up. I'm not going to have it stitched up again But what do I do with the sutures that didn't dissolve? I tried to pull it out but it started bleeding. Now I'm too scared to touch it. It's doing so good and I don't want to compromise it. Thank you!

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear you are having problems, but unfortunately, this happens from time to time. Best to let your plastic surgeon pluck out any loose sutures when you follow up. Make sure to point them out to him/her during the visit. Otherwise, be patient and follow the wound care instructions and this will heal up in a few weeks time. Your results otherwise look fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your picture. If you have retained dissolvable sutures within the wound I would not recommend that you try to remove them. Please call your plastic surgeon to make an appointment for his or her evaluation and removal of any retained sutures.

Elias G. Gikas, MD · Answer

You should have your surgeon or his nurse take them out in the office. You wound should close nicely with local wound care.Best Wishes

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

This should be something fairly easy for your surgeon or his office nurse to take care of in the office. Best to follow up with him/her.

David Nicholas Csikai, MD · Answer

Generally you should ask your surgeon before doing something that may affect your healing. If the sutures are exposed they are less likely to dissolve and go away. Usually snipping the sutures at skin or wound level will be safe but I would avoid any pulling or tugging of the sutures if possible.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Your surgeon can rather easily get these out. If needed, some topical or local anesthetic may be helpful.Thanks for your question, all the best.

What do I do with the sutures that didn't dissolve? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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