How long is too long to leave sutures in place?

When sutures are removed is dependent on the type, size and location of the sutures., and whether there are buried dermal sutures taking the tension off of the skin closure. Typically I use absorbable sutures for facelifts so none have to be removed. 

I usually have all sutures out by 14 days, and they come out at different times.  For delicate visible areas in front of the ear they are out by 7 days. Some key sutures that do not cross the suture line, but are partially under the skin can be left for fourteen days.  Sutures behind the ears are usually out by ten days.  If under the skin absorbable sutures are used, there are few if any sutures to be removed.

Which report seems fairly natural to me. Most modern sutures won't cause problems even if they are left in indefinitely. I would sutures usually come out in a few days. Heavier sutures in the hairline generally around two weeks.

I am sorry to hear you are in pain. Each patient's body is different and your doctor may have his/her reasoning for leaving the sutures in a bit longer. Chat with your doctor about your pain and discomfort. Your doctor wants your procedure to be successful and cares about your comfort. Good luck!

Great question and one that every patient asks. I will start by saying, all surgeons are different. Some leave sutures in 10 days, some 7, some 14. We know that the average is 7-10 and that there is little risk if leaving up to 14 days. The reason why (I am assuming) most people remove the sutures in the front at 7 days is (a) there is low tension on the wound and (b) we dont want to risk unpleasant scaring. Behind your ear is where alot of the tension on the skin is and we like to keep sutures there a bit longer. Obviously, this area is more hidden. You can think of it this way, the skin that is under the highest tension has the greatest risk of poor scarring. We often apply this tension to areas that we know we can hide so all the obvious scarring will look great. But dont get me wrong, the vast majority of scars look good all along the incision and I would be patient as you may be surprised. 

Generally for a facelift I would remove the sutures in front of the ears early to avoid the hash marks that can be more noticeable.  Areas that are under tension may need to stay in longer.  This is a question best left for your surgeon to answer.  

Every doctor is different and their techniques vary. We can all profess to having the best way to perform a procedure. I believe my techniques are the best and so should your doctor. As long as you have done your homework, and feel comfortable with your physician, trust his judgement.If you are asking what I do, then the answer is;Eyelid sutures come out in 5 days.Some facelift sutures are dissolvable and do not need to come out.Some facelift sutures are removed at 5 days as wellmost importantly, all suture lines are supported with deep dissolvable sutures that take all tension off of the skin which leads to the best outcome.

Every surgeon is different and may remove sutures at different times post op. This is normal. However if you are having significant pain with your sutures then you should follow up with your surgeon as soon as possible.

There is no absolutely agreed upon time to remove sutures. Also, your healing may indicate that a longer time than usual is needed. Personally, I try to remove them in the face as quickly as possible. I do this for 2 reasons. First, it reduces the risk of the sutures themselves causing scar. Secondly, since the epithelium can grow along the sutures and, after the sutures are removed, remain under the skin where they cause cysts, this reduces the risk of cyst formation. To do this, I place sutures that last for 6-9 months below the surface to support the wound while the scar has very little strength. I then try to remove those on the surface in the eyes and in front of the ears where any scar is more likely to show at 3-4 days, though I will occasionally leave one longer. I try to remove the rest by 7-8 days and rarely leave any beyond this. 

Every surgeon has their own routine for suture removal after facelift.   I am sure your plastic surgeon has good reasons to leave yours in longer than the usual 10 days.  However since they are  causing you discomfort I suggest you call your plastic surgeon and see if they can be removed now.For more information on facelift surgery please read the following link: