Will removing these sutures affect my mini facelift?

Question

I'm three weeks post op mini facelift. I have had little swelling and minimal bruising. Today I noticed a clear suture (like a fishing line) coming through my skin directly at the base of my ears. There is one suture on each ear. I am concerned that these sutures are keeping the underlying muscle in place and if they have to be removed with the lift drop? I didn't tell anyone about my procedure and not one person has noticed a change. I am extremely anxious that my mini lift will not last.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I always use dissolvable stitches however, after 3 week this is unlike to effect your results.  Please return to your surgeon to discuss your concerns and to ensure he checks the wounds, to make sure everything is fine.  All The Best

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

We typically use dissolving suturesWith this
#cosmeticsurgery patients usually feel some tightness, firmness under the skin,
and moderate swelling & bruising during the first week. Most patients having
a modified #facelift feel comfortable being out in public shortly thereafter,
sometimes after a few days. It’s best to allow one to two weeks for healing
from your #plasticsurgery. We use dissolving incisions that do not need to be
removed

WHAT ARE
THE SCARS LIKE?

When you
have a #facelift, well placed incisions which are well planned and hidden, along
with lifting without tension will help #minilifts, #litelifts and other
#facelifts heal when performing these types of #cosmeticsurgeries.
Limited scar incision and proper care after
sugery help.  Topical scar creams and laser as needed can all help create
incisions that are hard to see.s

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

After 3 weeks, removal of sutures that poke through the skin should not effect your mini face lift results.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Your doc will tell you all about your sutures and he/she will take care of any of your concerns. Trust your doc. Sincerely,David Hansen,MD

Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD · Answer

I would recommend asking your doctor about these stitches.  Some doctors prefer to use dissolvable sutures for their facelifts and some of these dissolvable sutures would look exactly as you've described.  Your surgeon is the only one who would know the best way to remove these sutures without causing any harm to your facelift results.Also, do not feel bad that your friends did not notice that you had a facelift.  It does not mean that your surgery was not successful.  Most people would not realize that you had a facelift unless your face looks overstretched or in some other way unnatural.  In most cases even after a full facelift friends and coworkers compliment the patient on looking "well rested", and would not realize they had surgery.  Best of luck!

Will removing these sutures affect my mini facelift?

Answers (5)