I'm getting a lower facelift and neck lift in a few weeks, my doctor has advised using hydrogen peroxide on the stitches?

Question

I've read some negative reviews, advising against the use of hydrogen peroxide?

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.All clinics/surgeons have different aftercare protocols and each policy would work the best for them so I would go by the advice your consultant has given you.My patients are advised not to put anything on there incision sites until completely healed. Just wash with warm water.

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Hydrogen Peroxide should be just fine.  If you have a reaction to it, let your doctor know immediately.  You will read all kinds of advice on the internet, but your board certified plastic surgeon is your best resource as well as being the most trustworthy.  If you are unsure about any of his/her advice, don't be afraid to share your concerns.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

I recommend using hydrogen peroxide on the incisions on a facelift for the first 3 days to clean.  After the first 3 days, I would recommend using saline to clean incisions.  The technique used to close the incisions is much more important that the method to clean the incisions.  A tension less closure and location of the incisions are the most important consideration in ensuring the incisions look beautiful after surgery.I hope this helps.

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Hydrogen peroxide on the incisions is helpful to help keep a wound free of dried and crusted blood. There is a theoretical possibility that it can affect the healing of a wound, but as long as it is used in moderation, it should not affect the result of the healing. For use along an incision, there is no reason why peroxide cannot be used to help keep the wound clean and free of blood.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

If a wound has dried blood, or is otherwise very crusty, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can be useful for cleaning in limited amounts. However, in general H2O2 is a wound healing deterrent due to release of free radicals in the cleansing process.  The best cleanser for most situations in saline, followed by an emollient such as aquaphor.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

I love hydrogen peroxide. I have all my patients clean the stitches using hydrogen peroxide and then applying bacitracin or vaseline and it keeps it clean and healthy. I have them stop it after the stitches come out. RegardsDr. J

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we do not recommend hydrogen peroxide placed on the stitches when there's an open wound present.  Hydrogen  peroxide is toxic to normal living tissue and should be avoided. It is  acceptable to use hydrogen peroxide to remove blood  stains out of clothing.

Laxmeesh Mike Nayak, MD · Answer

We we do recommend peroxide cleaning of facelift sutures for the first three days or so. After that, there should be no more crusting, and it is more harm than good.We also recommend keeping incision lines lubricated with non-medicated ointment such as Vaseline or Vaniply until sutures are removed.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Hydrogen peroxide is good to clean sutures.  Every surgeon has their own protocol for post operative care.  Follow his instructions for a nice recovery.

Michael Carlisle, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Peroxide is fine on facelift stitches. People have used this for years. Every surgeon has a different method but in the end they are looking out for you. If you trust them, trust their advice. Follow their instructions clearly.

I'm getting a lower facelift and neck lift in a few weeks, my doctor has advised using hydrogen peroxide on the stitches?

Answers (11)

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