Does staple removal hurt? How is it done ?

Question

I am scheduled for for suture removal and some staple removal on Monday Dec. 21. for my neck lift. I am a little scared of this. Do they spray on a topical anesthetic first? I have 12 on one side and 13 on the other. Yikes. Any information on this would be app pre inter. Thanks.

Brock Ridenour, MD · Answer

Staples are removed with a special instrument that crimps or pushes down on the center of the staple, rotating the sharp points out from the skin. As long as the instrument is centered under the middle of the staple, it should lift the staple out painlessly. As others have pointed out, there is usually some mild numbness following facelift surgery that should make staple removal unnoticeable to the patient. Let your treatment provider know that you are anxious so they can 'go slow' and provide you with reassurance. All my best, good luck!

Richard W. Westreich, MD · Answer

There is nothing wrong with using staples to close the hairline incisions for a facelift or neck lift. I prefer to use sutures, since the removal is more comfortable and because patients generally dislike the idea of having staples. The removal, however, should be too painful since the incsisions are usually numb at 10-14 days still.

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

There are two main ways to close incisions in the scalp-sutures or staples. Sometimes staples can be a little gentler on the hair follicles as they pinch at two points as opposed to a suture which forms a circle under the skin. Often patients experience temporary numbness after a necklift/facelift. For this reason there is generally not a whole lot of pain with removal of either.

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Most neck lifts have a very small scar and it's not usual to have 25 staples but it seems like your scar might be bigger, and maybe you have had a larger direct neck lift.
Most plastic surgeons do not use staples in a neck lift but they're easy to remove if used. The procedure is typically very straightforward and a specific device called a staple remover is used. For facial procedures, there are special smaller staplers that are different than the larger ones used throughout the body for different surgeries. Most surgeons do not freeze for anesthesia but using a topical numbing cream is a good idea if you're nervous.
I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of facelifts & neck lifts if you have any issues.
I hope this helps. If it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.  Hope the removal is quick and painless.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Staple removal after a neck lift is not a big deal.  It will cause minimal pain and discomfort.  I do not believe you  will need numbing and it will be quick.  I would not worry about the pain with having staples removed.I hope this helps.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Staples are occasionally used during surgical procedures including neck lifts. Removal of the staples are most of the time painless. Sometimes, if the staples have been left in place for a long time ( more than 7 days) to the point the skin and/or the surgical wound starts going over them, it could make the staple removal process painful.Staples are routinely removed with either a surgical stapler removal or a surgical forceps. In certain cases topical anesthesia might be used to decrease the discomfort. However, after surgical procedures like neck lifts, the area is anyway numb, therefore topical local anesthesia might not be necessary.

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

Staples are normally used in the scalp area after a facelift procedure typically only above the ears in the temples. This is done because they are indeed easier to remove than the stitches and should hurt less. A special tool is used and when properly performed, it should not cause any discomfort. There is no need for any topical anesthetic. Good luck with your recovery.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

A simple pronged tool is used to remove staples and it does not hurt. At the most you feel a small pinch.

Marcelo Antunes, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.Staple removal can be a little uncomfortable, but it won't be as bad as you are imagining. Most people have minimal to no discomfort due to skin numbness on the area and do not require any type of local anesthesia. The presence of the staple there is actually more uncomfortable than it's removal. You will prob feel a relief once they are out. Good luck!

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

Hi @Sanilbelbarbie Thanks for the Question. 
Congratulations on your procedure. Usually there is some natural numbness along the incision after any plastic surgery procedure which makes suture or staple removal quite painless. 
The staples are removed with a small instrument that pushes down on the center of the staple, rotating the edges out from the skin.

Best of luck,
Dr. Karan Chopra
★★★★★
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon
Face ⨀ Breast ⨀ Body Expert
Johns Hopkins Trained
Cosmetic Fellowship Trained

Does staple removal hurt? How is it done ?

Answers (15)

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