How long do you keep sutures in?

annieRN · 01-10-2009, 11:33 PM

Dr. Sorokin,
My breast augmentation was 12/30 and at my one week post op my PS told me he will take out my sutures at the next appt, which is 1/19. So they will be in for 20 days. On his post op info sheet it says sutures are usually removed within 7-10 days after surgery. Are there reasons to keep sutures in for a longer amount of time? Also, I was told to avoid lifting over 10 pounds for 2 weeks post op, but since the sutures will still be in for an additional 6 days should I continue to avoid lifting, or is that irrelevant?

Thanks so Much!

DrSorokin · 01-11-2009, 07:41 AM

I would call your doc's office tomorrow and ask them these specific questions. Usually leaving stitches in longer than usual means that something isn't healing quite as quickly as normal. Most incisions can have sutures removed at 7-10 days. It also depends on what type of sutures they have and what suture technique was used. Just as there are hundreds of different knots that can be tied, there are many types of sutures that can be placed. I would assume that if things weren't healed enough to take out stitches then likely you have been asked not to lift things so that the incisions are not stressed. Unfortunately I do not know exactly what is going on here. You need to speak to your surgeon's office to get specifics. Sorry I am unable to give better info.

annieRN · 01-11-2009, 10:45 AM

Thanks for the response! I will call in the AM, I am curious to know why he didn't take them out, the steristrips were still intact at the post-op appt so I don't think he really looked at the incision....

01-10-2009, 11:33 PM	#1
annieRN Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wentzville, Missouri Posts: 45 Thanks: 18 Thanked 13 Times in 11 Posts	How long do you keep sutures in? Dr. Sorokin, My breast augmentation was 12/30 and at my one week post op my PS told me he will take out my sutures at the next appt, which is 1/19. So they will be in for 20 days. On his post op info sheet it says sutures are usually removed within 7-10 days after surgery. Are there reasons to keep sutures in for a longer amount of time? Also, I was told to avoid lifting over 10 pounds for 2 weeks post op, but since the sutures will still be in for an additional 6 days should I continue to avoid lifting, or is that irrelevant? Thanks so Much!

01-11-2009, 07:41 AM	#2
DrSorokin Certified by the ABPS Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Marlton New Jersey Posts: 661 Thanks: 6 Thanked 502 Times in 317 Posts	I would call your doc's office tomorrow and ask them these specific questions. Usually leaving stitches in longer than usual means that something isn't healing quite as quickly as normal. Most incisions can have sutures removed at 7-10 days. It also depends on what type of sutures they have and what suture technique was used. Just as there are hundreds of different knots that can be tied, there are many types of sutures that can be placed. I would assume that if things weren't healed enough to take out stitches then likely you have been asked not to lift things so that the incisions are not stressed. Unfortunately I do not know exactly what is going on here. You need to speak to your surgeon's office to get specifics. Sorry I am unable to give better info. __________________ www.delawarevalleybreasts.com www.delawarevalleyplasticsurgery.com esorokin@delawarevalleyplasticsurgery.com www.njplasticsurgeryblog.com The above message is not intended as or to imply medical advice as this cannot be given in a forum such as this without an appropriate history and physical and doctor/patient relationship. If you cannot accept this policy, please ignore my messages.

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01-11-2009, 10:45 AM	#3
annieRN Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wentzville, Missouri Posts: 45 Thanks: 18 Thanked 13 Times in 11 Posts	Thanks for the response! I will call in the AM, I am curious to know why he didn't take them out, the steristrips were still intact at the post-op appt so I don't think he really looked at the incision....