Dissolvable stitch poking out of crease (Photo)

Question

The photo is blurry but it is the white dot on the crease line (near beginning of eye). It has been 4 days since my upper blepharoplasty operation and just now I noticed that a "loop" of the dissolvable stitches are poking out of the crease. I take pictures everyday and it only came out today. It's bery small but I'm worried it won't dissolve since it's poking out. It is difficult for me to see my surgeon, since he is in a different city.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

it is not uncommon for dissolvable sutures to occasionally become exposed before they are completely dissolved.   This is nothing to be concerned about. Generally speaking, that suture should be removed.   If it is not removed, it can continue to cause irritation of the surrounding skin. It is possible that it will eventually resolve on its own, however I would recommend removal.    I do not use absorbable sutures on the upper eyelid incision when I do an upper blepharoplasty.  I would recommend calling your surgeon's office for advice.  One of the disadvantages of choosing a surgeon in a different city is that it is difficult  for you to follow up for evaluation if there are any complications. This is something that all patients should consider when they choose their surgeon.  Best wishes to you!

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

I recommend seeing your surgeon for this.  If it is suture, it should be removed.  These can become more irritated.  If you can't see your surgeon, see a local oculoplastic surgeon for care.

Daniel Ezra, MD, FRCS · Answer

Thanks for the photo. I think that you are absolutely correct this is indeed an extruding suture. Sometimes dissolving sutures are used internally and it looks like your surgeon has used a particular kind of suture called Vicryl which is notorious for this kind of problem. The suture should dissolve, but how long this will take will depend on the thickness of suture used which will range from days to months. If it is really bothering you, I would find a local oculoplastic surgeon who can remove this very easily.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. You do not need to worry. The loop will probably fall off as the suture dissolves. Good luck,

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You might want to discuss this with your surgeon to see if he wants to trim it.  Best of luck with your results.

Dissolvable stitch poking out of crease (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Absorbable suture sticking out

Answer: Absorbable suture sticking out

Answer: Suture issue

Answer: Suture issue

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Dissolvable stitch poking out of crease (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Absorbable suture sticking out

Answer: Absorbable suture sticking out

Answer: Suture issue

Answer: Suture issue

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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