It has been almost one week post upper blepharoplasty. My concern is doc told me to see him 14 days postop for suture removal. I questioned him but he reassured me thats what he does. I am being diligent at keeping area clean & using antibiotic 3x/day per instructions. I worry scarring will be a concern having sutures in this long & even increasing chance for infection?
June 12, 2015
Answer: Two weeks for suture removal may be what he does but it is not routine. I also notice your surgeon is using silk suture. That is certainly acceptable practice but it is old school. The longer sutures are left in place, the more likely a suture track or suture related inflammation will become an issue. The suture tracks tend to be visible in some cases. For that reason, upper eyelid surtures are more typically removed at about 1 week after surgery. A significant except is when a laser was used to make the skin incision. 1 week of healing is not enough because the laser damages the skin adjacent to the incision which is what has to hold the suture. For that reason, sutures may be left in place 10-14 days. This is the biggest reason I do not use a laser to make my blepharoplasty incision.
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June 12, 2015
Answer: Two weeks for suture removal may be what he does but it is not routine. I also notice your surgeon is using silk suture. That is certainly acceptable practice but it is old school. The longer sutures are left in place, the more likely a suture track or suture related inflammation will become an issue. The suture tracks tend to be visible in some cases. For that reason, upper eyelid surtures are more typically removed at about 1 week after surgery. A significant except is when a laser was used to make the skin incision. 1 week of healing is not enough because the laser damages the skin adjacent to the incision which is what has to hold the suture. For that reason, sutures may be left in place 10-14 days. This is the biggest reason I do not use a laser to make my blepharoplasty incision.
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June 12, 2015
Answer: Suture removal after blepharoplasty Thank you for your question and photos. Many patients question the post operative protocols that they were directed by their surgeon. Much of the post operative routine is based on surgeon experience and not necessarily science. I always recommend that you follow your doctors instructions. In my practice, permanent sutures, such as what it appears you have in place are usually removed between 5 and 10 days depending on the patient. For example, if you have a higher risk of wound healing problems (e.g. smokers, diabetics, patients with poor nutrition, etc.) I may leave them in longer.Best Regards,Dr. Stutman
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June 12, 2015
Answer: Suture removal after blepharoplasty Thank you for your question and photos. Many patients question the post operative protocols that they were directed by their surgeon. Much of the post operative routine is based on surgeon experience and not necessarily science. I always recommend that you follow your doctors instructions. In my practice, permanent sutures, such as what it appears you have in place are usually removed between 5 and 10 days depending on the patient. For example, if you have a higher risk of wound healing problems (e.g. smokers, diabetics, patients with poor nutrition, etc.) I may leave them in longer.Best Regards,Dr. Stutman
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