How long are internal dissolvable facelift sutures noticeable on your skin?

Question

I’ve been reading a lot about facelifts and several people have mentioned lumps and bumps from dissolvable sutures. I am 65 and considering a facelift. Most of what I have read says they take nine months to dissolve. Are they visible for 9 months? That does not fit with most descriptions of a facelift and how happy you will be by 4 to 6 weeks after.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

There are many variables in determining whether suture knots might be palpable.  But in general, for the majority of people, it does not detract from satisfaction with results. Sutures themselves are not palpable, only suture knots.  Larger gauge sutures are more palpable, thinner sutures are not. Usually, knots buried under a flap of tissue are not noticed. Also, it depends on the patient. Patients with thin skin and a lack of heavy muscle tissue are more prone to the knots being noticeable, as opposed to a heavier patient (no photos, so I can't comment on your face). The type of suture makes a difference: vicryl lasts about a month, PDS can last up to six months, and Merseline is permanent.

Most doctors over the years have figured out how to optimally hide their knots by varying the suture thickness, placement close to the incision line or hairline, or the technique of burying the knot, even if the knot does last 6 months. I use a monofilament PDS which can last 6 months, but use a thinner gauge and bury the knot, which causes very few problems I've used permanent suture in the past; however, they can be palpable and if so the only solution is removal.  I've seen no difference in results between permanent suture and absorbable PDS.

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello ! Thank you for your question we generally do not recommend thread stretching, our most preferred method is surgical method, as it is safer and the results are more permanent.
Thank you ! regards

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Dear Creative59322,

I believe every doctor's surgical approach is different. For example, in my practice the external sutures dissolve within max 1 month and for internal sutures it depends on your body's metabolism and the wound healing process which may take around 2-3 months. It also depends on the level of invasion of the surgery, in my case my patients look absolutely presentable with minimal swelling in 4-6 weeks post-surgery. For detailed information regarding this surgery you may follow the link attached to this post.

Best Regard,
TAS TEAM

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I use permanent sutures to tighten the muscle. But I use a type of thread that is soft and bury it to avoid that problem. I think many surgeons use perks to sutures but if they use the wrong type it could be felt later of even seen. Ask your surgeon ahead of time.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Creative59322, thank you for your question. In some cases, sutures may take 4 weeks to 3 months to dissolve depending on the surgical technique used by the physician and the type of internal sutures used. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

How long are internal dissolvable facelift sutures noticeable on your skin?

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How long are internal dissolvable facelift sutures noticeable on your skin?

Answers (6)

Answer: Facelift

Answer: Facelift

Answer: How long are internal dissolvable facelift sutures noticeable on your skin?

Answer: How long are internal dissolvable facelift sutures noticeable on your skin?

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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