How long until stitches and drains are taken out?

I do not use drains.  Most of my out of town patients stay in town from 3 to 7 days depending upon multiple factors.  Absorbable sutures can be used.  Sometimes these sutures do not dissolve as quickly as necessary, and they must be removed.  I would ask your plastic surgeon what should be done.

Dear renessessy1,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. In most cases I remove stitches after week one. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well.. based in your question every surgeons have diferents protocols. in general the drains have to take off 10 days counting day after surgeryand the stitches its depend of the surgeons, if the stitches have to take off 15 days counting day after surgery if the stitches dont take off its resorbable going alone.

Drain removal protocols will vary from physician to physician. Most physicians will remove drains once output has fallen to an acceptable level (less than 30 cc/24 hr period).Permanent suture removal is traditionally done by 5-7 days to avoid persistent suture marks (tracks).With regards to your specific question, whether or not you will need to see another physician after returning home will be dependent upon your recovery. Drains may or may not be ready for removal.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Greetings.  In general, I leave drains in for a minimum of seven days. Sometimes, the drain(s) will stay in for a longer time, depending on the situation and/or the output of the drain. For sutures, usually absorbable sutures are used. Anything that is non-dissolving will be removed in 7-10 days depending on the type of procedure. Good luck!