Stitches in for 7 days?

Question

I had a mole excised and the dermatologist scheduled me to remove the mole after 7 days of having stitches in. I read online that 3-5 days is the norm and having them in longer causes railroad track scars. Am I going to be horribly scarred?

Kelly Killeen, MD, FACS · Answer

Although 5 days is more common then 7 for sutures on the face, two days is unlikely to be the difference between an aesthetically pleasing scar and railroad tracks.  It's possible that your closure was under more tension then expected, or no dermal suture was placed which lead your practitioner to leave them in longer.  It is always best to call and ask if you have concerns!

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Most of the time on the face we opt for 5 days, and 10 or so for the body. But if you had your procedure on say a Tuesday, I'd much rather you have the stitches until the following Monday than take them out too early on Friday... It's all relevant really. The key to avoiding a scar is about keeping the area clean and moist with some type of emollient like Vaseline or Polysporin, etc. Contrary to popular belief we do not want scabs or the area to be dry. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

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