How long should it take for the stitches behind my ears to dissolve after mid face lift?

Question

How long should it take for the stitches behind my ears to dissolve after having a mid face lift. Can anything be done to help the process?

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

The stitches I use under the skin usually dissolve after 4-6 weeks, but ask your plastic surgeon since I don't know the exact type of suture used.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The rate of breakdown of dissolvable sutures is dependent upon the material used and its location. Ask your surgeon.

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. The use of dissolvable
stitches in facelift surgery has been an exciting, if relatively minor,
advancement. My patients love that they don't need to make a special trip to
have them removed. The length of time that they're present can vary depending
on the type of sutures used as well as the significance of the incision. In
general, I tell my patients to expect their sutures to remain intact between 2
weeks and a month. However, if yours are bothering you, your surgeon may be
able to manually remove them. Be sure to bring it up at your next follow-up
appointment.

Keshav Magge, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Generally absorbable sutures will dissolve in 1-2 weeks, but it depends on the type that were used.  If they are not completely dissolved by 2 weeks, your doctor may just elect to remove the remnants.  If it is bothering you- let your surgeon know and they may remove them if they feel they have been in long enough.  All the best,

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

I happen to use dissolving sutures behind the ears that usually go away in about ten days. Some materials can last longer. It also depends on the thickness of the suture material. The thinner the suture, the fastest it will dissolve. You can certainly ask your surgeon about this and if something is bothering you it can always be removed.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

Different dissolvable stitches dissolve at different rates.  Some are designed to dissolve in a few days, others in a few weeks, others in a few months.  Typically, when dissolvable stitches are used behind the ear, they will dissolve in 1-2 weeks.  If they are persisting beyond this time, you can see your surgeon and he or she can remove them because at this point the tissues have healed enough to no longer need the support of superficial stitches.  Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

These sutures can be removed prior to them dissolving.  You can see your surgeon so he can remove these if they are bothering you.

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear BunnyButtsIf the sutures are dissolving then 5 to 7 days is the maximum.  Otherwise have your MD remove them.  With Warm Regards,Trevor M Born MD

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I typically like to remove sutures within the first week of the procedure to reduce the chance of suture marks next to the incision.  I would recommend that you visit with your plastic surgeon and follow their post-operative protocol.

Mark Hamilton, MD · Answer

It really depends on the type of sutures used.Some sutures are permanent and removal is required.Others are fast absorbing and can be gone by one week.Most surgeons use stitches that dissolve over the first week or two.Regularly cleaning and application of ointment help with the process.

How long should it take for the stitches behind my ears to dissolve after mid face lift?

Answers (17)

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