What are rhinoplasty stitches and why are they used?
Stitches, also known as sutures, are used to seal up and secure an incision to help it heal after surgery. They also help hold the shape of your new nose while the delicate nasal tissues heal. There are two main types of stitches used in rhinoplasty surgery:
- Internal stitches: these are used inside your nostrils, closing incisions made in your nasal passages and stabilising the cartilage.
- External stitches: used in open rhinoplasty, these close up the small incision made in the columella (the strip of skin between your nostrils).
The type of rhinoplasty surgery you have will affect the type of stitches used. In a closed rhinoplasty, your surgeon typically uses dissolvable stitches. All incisions made are internal, so you won’t have any external scarring.
In an open rhinoplasty, as we’ve seen, a small external incision is used that requires both internal stitches and a small number of external sutures, which your surgeon will remove once your nose has had a chance to heal. These are very fine, and will be carefully placed to reduce scarring, usually healing into a tiny line that nobody will notice.
Are rhinoplasty stitches dissolvable?
This depends on the area they’re used. As we mentioned earlier, the internal stitches used are typically dissolvable, which means they’ll gradually break down so that your body can absorb them. They don’t need removing by a surgeon, and instead you’ll notice them loosen and fall out by themselves in tiny pieces.
External stitches are usually non-dissolvable and your surgeon will carefully remove them around five to seven days after your surgery.
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How long do rhinoplasty stitches take to heal or fall out?
As ever, the rhinoplasty recovery process varies from one patient to the next, but for most patients dissolvable stitches will take somewhere between five and ten days to start dissolving and will have disappeared within a few weeks. External stitches are removed around five to seven days after surgery.
Once the stitches are gone, the incisions will still need time to heal – typically around one to two weeks, but it’ll likely be several months before they’re fully healed. This depends on how thick your skin is, the complexity of the surgery you had and how well you’ve followed your surgeon’s post-op care advice. Smoking or vaping can slow down the healing process.
What happens if a stitch is left inside your nose after rhinoplasty?
Occasionally, a dissolvable stitch may not get fully absorbed by your body. This can cause irritation and small bumps, and although these aren’t generally harmful, it’s a good idea to contact your surgeon for advice. It’s easy for them to examine your nose and quickly and painlessly remove the stitch if it’s troubling you.
What to do if you suspect infected rhinoplasty stitches
Infections in rhinoplasty stitches are rare, but they can happen. Signs to watch out for include:
- Increased redness or swelling
- Warmth at the incision site
- Persistent pain
- Pus or a foul odour
If you notice any of these signs, contact your surgeon immediately, as the sooner you address any issues the less likely there are to be further complications. Don’t attempt to remove the stitches yourself or clean the area aggressively. Your surgeon can prescribe antibiotics if an infection is suspected or confirmed.
Images source: Freepik
How to clean rhinoplasty stitches safely
Gently cleaning your stitches reduces your risk of infection while promoting a smooth healing process. Here’s how to do this safely:
- Use saline spray daily – this helps keep your nasal passages moist
- Avoid touching the area – this can introduce bacteria
- Pat gently using sterile gauze if needed
- Apply antibiotic ointment – only if this has been prescribed
- Never do anything forcefully – never use water jets, cotton buds or forceful wiping
How painful is rhinoplasty stitch removal?
Removing external rhinoplasty stitches is a quick process that doesn’t usually require anaesthesia. It’s done gently by your surgeon and the most you’re likely to feel is mild discomfort or a brief feeling of tugging. If you’re feeling anxious about it, try slow and steady breathing techniques and ask your surgeon to apply some topical numbing cream. We’d recommend looking away during the procedure, but don’t worry – it will be over in seconds.
Do stitches fall out after rhinoplasty, or are they removed?
As we’ve seen, internal stitches are usually the dissolvable kind and will therefore absorb naturally into your body with no removal required. Your surgeon will carefully remove any external stitches in a quick and painless procedure. If you’re unsure which kind of stitches your surgeon has used, don’t pull on them – ask your surgeon for advice.
Taking care of rhinoplasty stitches is key to healing
Looking after your stitches is critical in the days immediately after your rhinoplasty surgery, so always follow your surgeon’s post-operative care plan carefully to minimise scarring while allowing your delicate nasal tissues to heal. Avoid touching your nose to lessen the risk of infection, and always attend follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor your healing progress.
Book a post-surgery consultation for stitch removal and healing advice
If you’re worried about your stitches or have any questions about your post-op healing timeline, book a post-surgery consultation with Dr. Cuno today.
Images source: Freepik
