Should I leave suture to biodegrade itself or take out post op 2 weeks?

Question

Should I do this for LEAST scar formation after a FUT hair transplant? Had my second FUT hair transplant procedure, first one w a rather large scar to back of head partly due to me working out and stretching it. This time around I want to minimize it. The doctor did a great job this time with Tricophytic closure and the scar is relatively minimal so far post op 1 week. The suture biodegrade in 3 weeks. I’m curious should I leave suture it in to get best result with least scar? Or get them taken out at the clinic. Thank you for your insights.

Ken Anderson, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Dear farcus.Thank you for posting this question. The “absorbable” sutures are made of dense sugars, and take some time for the body to absorb. Early in my career I used PDS suture for the convenience of patients not having to return for suture removal. However, the PDS takes 6 weeks or more to dissolve. The entire time the suture material is creating an inflammatory response that contributes to scarring. The wound is healed enough at 2 weeks for suture removal, so I have to wonder why I’d want to leave the suture material in for extra weeks, and so I changed my practice. This was back in 2003. I like to use a 3-0 or 4-0 Ethilon mono-filament nylon suture, the same type I previously used when performing face lifts. I have the patients back at 14 days for suture removal, which to me serves 2 advantages: (1) I get to see the wound in person and make sure it’s healing perfectly and allow me to provide my patient some peace-of-mind in that regard, and (2) it removes all foreign material from the wound and allows it to heal naturally. So for best results I’d have used non-absorbable nylon suture and have it removed at 14 days. Despite all these steps, however, a small percentage of patients will still end up with a slightly stretched scar. I hope this information is helpful to you.
Kind Regards,
Ken Anderson, MD, FISHRS

Konstantinos Anastassakis, MD, PhD · Answer

Some surgeons when operation on patients from out of town do close the wound with absorbable suture so  the patient does not have to travel back for removal. These sutures typically cause more reaction, yet this does not seem to affect the scar formation. I always take out my external closing material so I have no experience. You really should talk with your surgeon

Prima Tossaborvon, MD, MSc · Answer

Normally, the surgical thread has to be removed around day 10-14. But I don't know the reason why your surgeon doesn't remove it for you. Perhaps, your scalp is so tight that delay the stitch removal time. It's better to ask your surgeon.

Joseph MacDonald, MD · Answer

Biodegradable sutures are usually used below the skin, not at the surface. If used at the surface I would have them removed in 10-14 days. If left in longer they can become irritating and may leave perpendicular markings to the scar.

John Kahen, MD · Answer

Hi, How are you? Yes, The Sutures need to be removed at the 2 week mark for best possible results. I would certainly suggest taking them out. The only way to leave the sutures in would be if the DR has already gone ahead and used the dis solvable sutures but most hair transplant physicians won't do that because it doesn't provide the best results. So yes I would recommend getting your sutures  taken out.

Should I leave suture to biodegrade itself or take out post op 2 weeks?

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Answer: Suture removal time

Answer: Suture removal time

Answer: Suture Removal

Answer: Suture Removal

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Should I leave suture to biodegrade itself or take out post op 2 weeks?

Answers (6)

Answer: Suture removal time

Answer: Suture removal time

Answer: Suture Removal

Answer: Suture Removal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

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