Is it normal after 13 months post op upper eye surgery sutures have holes and not closed? (Photo)

Question

I'm not sure if I'll need another surgery to close the holes of the sutures. It's been 13 months and I've tried 7 steroid shots and betamethasone 0.05% ointment. Nothing seems to work. Should I consider another surgery?

Tek Przylecki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,The suture “holes” or tracks usually occur when sutures are left in place for a prolonged period of time and the skin heals (epithelializes) around the permanent suture. For upper eyelid sutures, we usually try and remove them at or before 7 days to prevent this “railroad track” scar. Although steroids and laser can improve and soften the scar, these modalities will not remove the “holes” and get them to heal. The scar and suture tracks would have to be excised and re-closed and the sutures would need to be removed before the epithelial cells (skin cells) heal around the sutures. You would also have to have adequate upper eyelid laxity to tolerate removal of that tissue. Wishing you the best of luck!Cheers!Dr.Tek

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

This happens sometimes, depending on what type of suture material is used and how long the sutures are left in place.
It usually happens if the doctor uses absorbable suture or leaves the sutures in more than 7 days.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

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