Stitches accidentally left in. What should I do?

Question

Hello, I had my stitches and cast removed yesterday (6th day after surgery) and now I have found 2 blue stitches that have not been removed.. my surgeon is in another city and I have an appointment with him on the 21st can these stay in that long with no problems?

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

The risks of infection, scarring, and pain rise if non-absorbable blue stitches are left in the skin for four weeks. 
-Infection: Bacteria are more likely to infiltrate the wound and cause an infection the longer the sutures are left in place. 
-Scarring: The body's natural healing process may result in scarring, and if sutures are left in place for a long time, the chance of a more noticeable or darker scar may rise. The likelihood of track marks increases with the length of time nonabsorbable stitches stay in the skin.
-Discomfort: If the sutures are pressing against the skin, they may eventually become more uncomfortable or irritating. 
-Make quick contact with your healthcare professional if you see any symptoms of infection, such as redness, swelling, discomfort, or discharge.
It is important that you get in touch with your surgeon or whoever covers him and is available. They will decide on the best course of action for you.
Hope this was helpful!
Best wishes,
Dr Ali Sajjadian 
TRIPLE Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question. I would say you are fine to leave them in until your next visit. I personally use dissolvable stitches, but ofcourse I am unsure if your stitches are dissolvable.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Kyle Kimura, MD · Answer

Great question! 
During a rhinoplasty often a combination of dissolvable and non-dissolvable sutures will be used. The non-dissolvable sutures are typically removed around day 5-8 after surgery. While there is no harm in some of them being left behind temporarily (sometimes it can be hard to see all of them), these should not stay longer than a few weeks as sometimes your body can react to them leading to scarring or infection. 
Generally the blue sutures (likely prolene) are non-dissolvable and need to be removed. I would take a photo and send to your surgeon to see how they would like you to proceed. There is a chance they could be a dyed version of a dissolvable suture (maybe PDS or dyed vicryl), however it is best for your surgeon to dictate how these should be handled.
Hope this helps!Kyle Kimura, MD

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

Talk to your surgeon and follow their recommendation.  It would probably be OK to leave them for a month, but taking these sutures out too late can sometimes leave marks or lead to small infections called suture abscesses.  Your surgeon may know someone nearer to you who can help take them out.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

It's not uncommon for some stitches to be overlooked or left in place after cast removal. In most cases, non-dissolvable stitches can stay in for a bit longer without causing major issues, especially if the area isn't infected or showing signs of irritation. However, it’s important to monitor the area for any signs of redness, swelling, or discomfort. If the stitches appear fine and there's no immediate concern, waiting until your appointment may be safe, but if you're unsure or notice any changes, consider reaching out to a local healthcare provider for advice.

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Blue sutures are prolene sutures (polypropylene) and not absorbable.  If these are left in until the 21st, you are at increased risk of having small but noticeable permanent suture marks.  I would strongly suggest calling your surgeon's office and explain your situation.  Normally, surgeons have someone who covers them when they go out of town.  This is generally for emergencies or situations that cannot wait until they return.  If he is coming back and you can get in on Monday, then maybe not an issue, but I wouldn't wait 2 more weeks.

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

Call your surgeons office and let them know what happened, so they can bring you back in to remove what ever sutures are left over.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, these stitches do need to be removed ASAP. The longer that prolene sutures remain in the skin the more likely you will develop track marks in the skin. You didn't mention exactly what procedure you're had but if all of the other sutures were removed, the remaining two need to go as well. I recommend you call your surgeon ASAP to schedule another followup. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Inessa Fishman, MD · Answer

I think your best bet is to contact your surgeon's office.  While some sutures can stay in without issue for a while, others (in particularly cosmetically sensitive areas) should be best removed within 7-10 days to prevent undesirable scarring.  Your surgeon is best equipped to make further decisions in your post-op care.  Good luck!

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Your stitches do need to be removed.  If your surgeon is in another city and you can't get there, call your doctor and ask if an urgent care facility may be able to remove the stitches

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