Stitches left in eyes after surgery. Any suggestions?

Question

Yesterday I had stitches removed in the UK from eye lid top and bottom that I had done in Prague the nurse was very rough trying to scrape one out with the tweezers, when I went to see my doctor after she has actually left 4 in, they are very tiny he said he will take them out Friday, is it going to be too late this will be 10 days now after op they were due out 7 days, and if they are so small what if he can't get them out, I am really worried that it is too late and they can't get them out ? Thank you

William Numa, MD, FACS · Answer

There should not be any complications caused by the remaining sutures staying in place a few days longer (10 days versus 7 days).  Your physician should be able to remove the suture material very easily. It is best to follow up closely with your surgeon.

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

To improve the outcomes of incisions, sometimes surgeons use very small stitches. To be honest, it may take as much technical skill to remove them as to put them in. I remove my own sutures, so I can make sure they are all out. If one or two need to stay in, I can make that decision. And it gives me time to talk to my patient. Some strategies to help remove small stitches1. A comfortable chair for both the patient and the surgeon2. Good lighting3. Magnification4. Fine instruments5. Avoid injecting numbing medication. Due to swelling it may make it more challenging.If one or two are deep, it may not be worth digging them out. Your skin will naturally work them out with time. The care you receive after a surgery is almost as important as the surgery itself. I encourage all of my patients to keep close contact with me so I can help them through any issue that comes up after surgery, even if it is years later.

Stitches left in eyes after surgery. Any suggestions?

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Stitches left in eyes after surgery. Any suggestions?

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