Is there a way to make my absorbably sutures dissolve faster?

Question

I had an upper blethroplasty on the 18th dec 2013. Dr used absorbable sutures as it was close to christmas, however I can still see the outer sutures quite visibly and its nearly 2 wks later and I dont want them to be visible when I start work on the 7th jan 14. Is there any way I can make them dissolve quicker?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

I guess your surgeon was behind the door when they did the lecture on how long it takes dissolvable sutures to break down.  There are some stitches that do break down in about 6 days ( fast-absorbing gut).  However, it is common for surgeons to use chromic gut.  It no longer surprises me that surgeons do not know how long it takes sutures like vicryl and chromic gut to break down (75 and 90 days respectively).  This means that for the first couple of months, these sutures function like permanent suture.  Unfortunately for optimal healing, it is best to remove these sutures between 6 and 10 days.  Please be a squeaky wheel.  Call your surgeon's office and insist that the sutures be removed.  Tell then you are concerned that the eyelid sutures are not breaking down and are causing scaring.  Don't take no for an answer.

Marc Pacifico, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Many thanks for posting your question.If you still have visible stitches 2-weeks after an upper eyelid lift, my recommendation would be to have them removed. There is a risk that if the stitches are left in too long, they may affect the quality of the scar. Try to book in with your plastic surgeon, but if that is not possible, I would suggest trying to find an alternative doctor or nurse who could help remove them - it is normally very straightforward.Good luck

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The major reason for utilizing absorbable sutures is to avoid having to remove them. Unfortunately, these sutures often stick around beyond their functional usefulness. After two weeks, these sutures have served their purpose. Under these circumstances, it's reasonable to remove them to minimize inflammation. In patients who are uncomfortable with suture removal, moisturizing these sutures with ointment might speed up the process.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

Suture remnants certainly could be removed by your surgeon. Alternatively, absorbable sutures tend to disintegrate faster in a moist environment. One could consider the application of lubricating eye gel. Talk to your surgeon.

Robert W. Sheffield, MD · Answer

Hi!Thank you for your question! While you may have already resolved your issue bynow, I would still like to provide an answer for other people with the samequestion as you do. Absorbable sutures are made to dissolve on their own. Theydissolve speedily that you will not even notice they are already gone and thatyou do not even need to do something to help their dissolving.
Inyour case, if you are already on your 2nd week and your absorbable sutures arestill not dissolving, something must be wrong. There are several kinds ofabsorbable sutures. Some are fast absorbing and can dissolve in just 6 dayswhile there are also others that dissolve in 75 days such as Vicryl. There arealso others that dissolve in 90 days such as Chromic. These are made to actlike permanent sutures for a few weeks prior to dissolving at the requiredtime. However, for blepharoplasty, sutures need to be taken out between 5 to 10days after surgery. This is for optimum healing and little to no scarring. 
Iwould highly advise you to go your board certified plastic surgeon to have thesutures removed if they are not dissolving after day 10.

Is there a way to make my absorbably sutures dissolve faster?

Answers (8)

Answer: How to Speed up Absorption of Dissolvable Sutures

Answer: How to Speed up Absorption of Dissolvable Sutures

Answer: Dissolving Absorbable Sutures Faster

Answer: Dissolving Absorbable Sutures Faster

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Is there a way to make my absorbably sutures dissolve faster?

Answers (8)

Answer: How to Speed up Absorption of Dissolvable Sutures

Answer: How to Speed up Absorption of Dissolvable Sutures

Answer: Dissolving Absorbable Sutures Faster

Answer: Dissolving Absorbable Sutures Faster

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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.