One year post-op. Not sure what type of facelift I had, and surgeon doesn't seem willing to go into detail. I think it was some type of imbrication or quicklift procedure. It hasn't really worked and I still have jowls and other issues (eg loss of tragus and ear-lobe distortion). This question though is about palpable sutures. I can feel a small knot-like lump on each cheek just in front of each ear on the cheekbone. I presume these are permanent sutures. They feel horrible, can they be removed?
November 4, 2016
Answer: Palpable internal sutures after facelift You might want to just consider a revision. I say this only because you mention a few other areas of dissatisfaction in addition to the palpable sutures. Your surgeon should be willing to go into as much detail as needed for you to understand what was done at the time of the operation.I prefer long-lasting but dissolvable sutures. They typically resorb after a period of 3-4 months or so. This avoids long term issues related to the use of permanent sutures. Once there has been adequate time for the tissues to heal in their new lifted and supported position, the need for a suture to remain there forever does not make much sense to me.
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November 4, 2016
Answer: Palpable internal sutures after facelift You might want to just consider a revision. I say this only because you mention a few other areas of dissatisfaction in addition to the palpable sutures. Your surgeon should be willing to go into as much detail as needed for you to understand what was done at the time of the operation.I prefer long-lasting but dissolvable sutures. They typically resorb after a period of 3-4 months or so. This avoids long term issues related to the use of permanent sutures. Once there has been adequate time for the tissues to heal in their new lifted and supported position, the need for a suture to remain there forever does not make much sense to me.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
September 30, 2019
Answer: Palpable knot Assuming that what you are feeling is a permanent suture, those can be removed in the office using local anesthetic. However, considering you have other issues associated with your prior facelift, you may want to consider a revision lift. During that revision, the permanent knots can be removed and your other issues (jowls, tragus, earlobes) can be addressed. See someone with extensive experience with revision facelifts.Andrew Campbell, M.D.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
September 30, 2019
Answer: Palpable knot Assuming that what you are feeling is a permanent suture, those can be removed in the office using local anesthetic. However, considering you have other issues associated with your prior facelift, you may want to consider a revision lift. During that revision, the permanent knots can be removed and your other issues (jowls, tragus, earlobes) can be addressed. See someone with extensive experience with revision facelifts.Andrew Campbell, M.D.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
