How long will dissolvable sutures on eyelids last?

Question

I am 8 days post op from upper eyelid blethroplasty. Surgeon used dissolvable stitches (Type unknown) and told me they should be gone in 5-7 days. I can’t return to work in 2 days with sutures exposed. Is there anyway to speed up the process? My surgeon has been less than supportive since my surgery. I regret my having this surgery and wish I’d chosen a more compassionate surgeon. Please help!

Rohit Seth, MD, MRCS(Ed), PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and sorry you have not had a better post operative recovery. The quickest dissolvable suture is vicryl rapide and the 5/0 rapide which is quite a small stitch will take about 10-12 days to dissolve. I don't like using it in the face as in my opinion it causes more redness and reaction to the skin. I prefer to use a non dissolving suture which is taken out at 5 days.What can you do to speed it up - well the stitchs on the outside, if they are individual can be trimmed to the knot. You can use vaseline/ petroleum jelly over the stitches and that can sometimes help. There isnt much else you can do, as your body is breaking down the stitch under the skin- if you pull at the stitch and it comes away easily then this has dissolved under the skin.By 5 days, the eyelids tend to have healed well enough so if they are casing irritation then they can be removed . Your surgeon should be able to do thisI hope this is of helpBW

Ahad Mahootchi, MD · Answer

If you had not discussed your needs with the surgeon before hand, please call them now and explain your situation. It may be possible to remove the sutures early. It may not. But at least they could check. Safety is always first but creative alternatives can save the day. Work with your surgeon.

Jasmine Mohadjer, MD · Answer

I am sorry you are frustrated with your surgeon. Surgeons use different suture materials for blepahroplasty depending on their experience and preference.  Outcomes should be similar however.  If your surgeons stated that they should dissolve in 5-7 days it was probably with a suture called plain gut.    Can you ask him to remove them for you?  They should be gone any day however.  You certainly can still go to work if you like. The good news is that with your eyes open they shouldn’t be told noticeable.  I tell my patients to get some cool funky fake eyeglasses to wear to help mask things as well!!!  Yes Good luck

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear eyeafraid, First and foremost I am sorry you have had such a bad experience. As surgeons we are supposed to be here to help our patients have a smooth and comfortable recovery. I give every patient my personal cell number so any questions can be answered. With that said, the eyelids heal very quickly and I use a removable suture that I cut at day three and remove completely at day five. Every surgeon uses their own technique and I am assuming that your surgeon used a plain gut suture. Your eyelids should be well healed so I would ask your surgeon to remove your sutures rather then waiting for them to dissolve further. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

How long will dissolvable sutures on eyelids last?

Answers (4)

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