Leftover Stitch 6 Weeks Post-op

Although it may be a stitch, it is more likely a gland that has become obstructed, causing secretions to accumulate and enlarging the gland.  See your doctor.  When this happens to my patients, under magnification, I gently evacuate the gland.  If infected, antibiotic eyedrops, and perhaps antibiotic pills are also prescribed.  It will resolve.

Hi SB,

Best to return to your surgeon to have your eye lid skin checked.  If there is a stitch left behind, it should be removed.  Good luck and be well.

Dr. P

You could have what I call a spitting stitch coming to the surface or as the swelling has resolved, a stitch left behind has made itself evident. Not to worry. Contact your surgeon and return to have it removed or to ascertain that there isn't another problem causing the sensation of a foreign body in the eye.

Dear Santa Barbara,

Some doctors do place dissolving stitches in the lower lid conjunctiva during blepharoplasty surgery.  As these stitches dissolve, they can become exposed and irritate the eye.  See your surgeon for an evaluation.

During a lower lid blepharoplasty sometimes there are sutures placed in a deeper position to tighten or reposition the eyelid to deeper structures.  Given that you are only 6 weeks after surgery, and only your surgeon knows where the sutures were placed, I would check with that person to examine you.

  Coild there be a stitch left in an incision anywhere?  Sure, it happens often and is no big deal.  Go to your doctor and get checked.  If there is a stitch there the  surgeon can take it out.  The surgeon can completely check you over and tell you exactly what is causing your problem.  This may be just a part of the healing process but needs to be checked and if a problem exists, solved.   A major part of your surgeons job is follow up care.   The person who did your surgery must be available to you or make another surgeon available if need be.  This is mandatory.  Temporary incision aggravation and eye irritations are not uncommon after eyelid surgery and they can all be treated and solved 100%.  Go and see your surgeon.