I don't know what to do with the broken blue sutures of my blepharoplasty left under the skin?

Question

Two weeks ago I had blepharoplasty in my upper and lower eye-lids. Unfortunately the suture in my left upper eye lid was broke and some pieces of it are visible under the skin.Do you think that it is better to take this sutures off with a second surgery or to leave them inside the skin? and if I leave them in what do you think about the bruising which has no improvement after fifteen days. Is this insisting bruising due the small suture pieces left near the incision?

Athanasios Christopoulos, MD · Answer

My 
opinion is that it is better to leave the suture. Probably it’s a prolene suture 
which can stay under the skin for a very long time. If the blue color is not 
evident, it does not create any problem. Usually, after a few months it gets 
aboarded by the organism. When it happens you will see it and you can pull it 
out. Obviously if it gets infected you have to visit your doctor, but infection 
is very rare in these cases. Regarding the bruising usually it is gone after 15 
days, but sometimes it takes some more time. In case it does not disappear after 
3-4 weeks, you have to visit your doctor. I think you have to keep your contact 
with your doctor and don’t be anxious.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It should be quite simple to remove the suture and shouldn't require a reoperation.  You should return to your surgeon who I am sure will easily remove it.

David S. Felder, MD · Answer

I would return to your surgeon and many times these are removed very simply. If you leave it in for an extended period you may see more inflammation at the incision site. Many times these sutures work themselves out to the surface and are easily removed.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

If you have a blue suture, this is most likely a Prolene suture.  It is very non-reactive, and is often used as a permanent suture under the skin.  So it can stay there forever with no reaction.  As long as you can't see the blue color, there is no urgency to take it out.  It may slowly work its way out and can be removed then.  BUt don't go chasing it with another surgery.

Samuel Baharestani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for posting your case.  Suture removal depends on what material was used.  If it was a permanent suture that will not dissolve, it should definitely be removed to prevent future reactions by your body.  Make sure your surgeon is aware of your condition.  Good luck!

I don't know what to do with the broken blue sutures of my blepharoplasty left under the skin?

Answers (10)

Answer: Suture under skin

Answer: Suture under skin

Answer: Blepharoplasty Sutures

Answer: Blepharoplasty Sutures

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I don't know what to do with the broken blue sutures of my blepharoplasty left under the skin?

Answers (10)

Answer: Suture under skin

Answer: Suture under skin

Answer: Blepharoplasty Sutures

Answer: Blepharoplasty Sutures

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.