Stitches found in my nose 2 years post-op, what do I do?

Question

I was waxing my nostrils yesterday, which I do every so often as needed. I noticed I had missed in a place, and discovered a 1/4 long stitch tail. Is this normal? I thought I had felt something up there, but thought I just needed to blow my nose. What should I do? My surgery was January 2015. This was 2+ years ago.

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi Dashuri,Thank you for your question. It certainly is rare to see a suture that long after surgery however sometimes during septorhinoplasty's or rhinoplasty's, a permanent suture can be placed which can sometimes work its way through the skin. I would recommend being evaluated by a board-certified plastic surgeon or board certified facial plastic surgeon for suture removal. It is not an emergency unless you start to develop pain or infection. Good luck.All the best,Carlos Mata M.D., MBA, FACSBoard-certified plastic surgeon

Jerold Olson, MD · Answer

Hello,I would assume that the suture you discovered is a permanent type of suture.  Surgeons use these commonly in rhinoplasty.  Rarely, one of the sutures will work its way to the surface much like a splinter coming out of your finger.  Assuming that you have no other problems such as tenderness or redness you should not have any problems because of this.  If you have any questions definitely return to see your surgeon.  Good luck.

Ritchie Younger, MD · Answer

Assuming that your surgery was performed by a board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon with vast experience in rhinoplasty surgery, you have nothing to worry about.  It is most common to use self dissolving stitches inside the nose during rhinoplasty surgery, but occasionally there are advantages to using permanent sutures during rhinoplasty inside the nose.  Finding a stray permanent suture 2 years out from a rhinoplasty is not the end of the world-I would merely go and be assessed by your rhinoplasty surgeon, and I imagine that it would be a simple snip to  remove this lone wolf suture, with no resultant alteration to your fantastic rhinoplasty result.  Good luck to you !!

J. David Kriet, MD, FACS · Answer

Occasionally a permanent suture can extrude after surgery. Generally, it can be trimmed back but it would be best to be evaluated by your rhinoplasty surgeon. This should not be a problem or compromise your rhinoplasty result.

Anup Dhir, MD · Answer

Hello. It is difficult to say whether it was a stitch or not but two years on it should not be a problem.As long as there is no bleeding. By 2 years the healing should have been complete.

Stitches found in my nose 2 years post-op, what do I do?

Answers (5)