Suture (Stitch/Thread) Remaining After Surgery is Ok?

Question

After face lift, my surgeon took out suture (thread) and then I found out more sutures. So, my coordinator helped me visit and a nurse took care of. However, I still found more. After my surgeon took out suture, I had to visit 3 times and the nurse took out about 15 suture (knots and thread) on my head. I also found out some thread (white string) on my nose which my surgeon told me to leave alone since it would be absolved. No problem with stitch remaining after surgery?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Absorbable
sutures are frequently utilized for facelift surgery. These sutures are
typically placed in the dermis directly below the surface of the skin. In this
position they prevent the spread of facial scars. Unfortunately these sutures
are foreign material and there’s a tendency for the body to work them to the
surface before they can dissolve. For this reason, it’s not unusual
for these sutures to protrude through the skin. Despite this they serve an
extremely important function. Although these sutures represent a source of
irritation, their use results in thinner scars and better aesthetic results.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

There are many different suture materials available for surgeons to use. The two main categories are permanent and absorbable sutures. In a facelift, stitches are used underneath the skin and to suture the incision. The threads deep to the skin should not be removed as they are meant to provide the deep tissue support. The sutures for the skin should go away relatively quickly. Sometimes they are removed, other times they are absorbed spontaneously - depending on the material used. Please discuss this with your surgeon to ensure appropriate after care. He will know what kind of stitches need to be removed and which should stay.

Timothy Treece, MD, FACS · Answer

ReportIt can vary from patient to patient as too suture problems with sutures after a facelift, but note that it isnt uncommon. While the sutures placed under the skin are  dissolvable your body can reject them, as if they are a foreign substance.   These type of sutures are meant to dissolve in 3-6 weeks, but can take up to 6 months to completely dissolve.  If the sutures poke through the surface of the skin it is best to trim them or remocve them as needed.  though this is an irritant to you it will not cause any long term issues with your final result.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Many sutures are made of material that the body breaks down and absorbs over time, so even if they are left in place, they may dissolve. This depends on the type of suture and where it is located. During facelift procedures, sutures are also placed under the skin to hold the muscle layers in place, and these sutures may be permanent in some cases. Only the surgeon who placed the sutures can recommend whether they should stay in place or be removed.
All the best,

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

During a facelift, dissolvable sutures are often used under the skin. These sutures are meant to dissolve over time, but different people absorb them at different rates and it is possible that the stitches will begin to be expelled by the body and end up poking through the skin. While this may be annoying, it should not be a problem unless the stitches begin to cause irritation.

Kevin Sadati, DO · Answer

It is not uncommon for absorbable sutures to be left after facelift surgery. They usually dissolve after 3-4 weeks. While, it may be inconvenience to do an extra visit to the office to have them removed, I should not raise any concerns.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

In general, absorbable sutures can remain unless causing irritation or a source of infection.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

James Chan, MD · Answer

Excellent question, and please allow me to comfort you that it is not uncommon to have sutures remaining after surgery. Some surgeons will use a combination of dissolvable sutures and sutures that need to be removed.

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi!
	 

	Thank you for your question.
	 

	It is common for absorbable sutures to be left over after surgical procedures. While, it may be a pain to do an extra visit to the office to have it removed, I would not worry about it.
	
	Good luck!

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like your surgeon used absorbable sutures, and that your body is having a hard time digesting and breaking down these sutures. There are many different approaches to a facelift with a variety of types of closing methods ranging from metal staples to absorbable sutures. In my practice, I prefer to use the highest grade of subcuticular 6.0 teflon-coated prolene, which is finer than a human hair and slides out without issue at approximately 10 days. Unlike staples or simple sutures that can leave railroad-track scars, I like to sew everything below the surface of the skin so that there is no visible trace of any suture-closure material. With this technique, my patients look totally untouched, with a naturally healthy rejuvenation and no telltale signs of having had surgery. In regard to your absorbable sutures, most people’s bodies can break down the absorbable sutures; however, sometimes the body tries to “push” the suture out of the skin, similar to if you had a splinter. It is not dangerous but it might prolong the healing time. Please continue to follow up with your surgeon for routine checkups to ensure you are healing as expected.

Suture (Stitch/Thread) Remaining After Surgery is Ok?

Answers (18)

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