Ptosis Repair Stitches Dissolved, Surgery A Failure?

Question

I had ptosis repair surgery on my upper eyelid yesterday. After the surgery and all day I could feel a the stitch whenever I moved my eye, it was quite painful, and I was using the prescribed oinment regularly. Today I don't feel the stitch anymore and all pain is completely gone. Does this mean the surgery was a failure and ill need it re-done? Could this have made my ptosis worse?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Eyes can be scratchy and uncomfortable right after a surgery.  The way ptosis surgery is performed, no sutures are left to poke the eye itself.  The same nerves that supply the eyelid also supply the cornea so having an eyelid surgery can feel very much like something is in the eye.  The fact that you are much more comfortable the next day supports the notion that the eye itself is not getting poked by a stitch.  That does not mean the stitch is gone.  Follow your surgeon's directions and focus on healing.

Flora Levin, MD, FACS · Answer

Your feeling of the suture was probably because the eyelid was swollen and sitting lower on the eyeball, closer to the cornea. As the eyelid height improved, the location of the sutures went up and they are no longer touching the cornea, so you don't feel them as much. Regardless, I would not worry about your surgery not being successful at this point - it is too early to draw any conclusions.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  At one day post op it is premature to evaluate the results of any surgery including ptosis repair. The feeling of the lid probably will have no effect on your outcome. Please take some time to sit down with your surgeon to discuss the procedure more thoroughly as well as to discuss your expectations.  Best wishes on your recovery.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

The suture you felt is not likely to be the suture that is in the ptosis repair. If you are otherwise doing well, it is not likely that the ptosis repair is a failure.

Ptosis Repair Stitches Dissolved, Surgery A Failure?

Answers (4)

Answer: Ptosis Repair Stitches Dissolved does NOT Mean Surgery is a Failure?

Answer: Ptosis Repair Stitches Dissolved does NOT Mean Surgery is a Failure?

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Ptosis Repair Stitches Dissolved, Surgery A Failure?

Answers (4)

Answer: Ptosis Repair Stitches Dissolved does NOT Mean Surgery is a Failure?

Answer: Ptosis Repair Stitches Dissolved does NOT Mean Surgery is a Failure?

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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