How to Remove Stitches Left Behind After Surgery: A Concern for Parents

Q: How to Remove Stitches Left Behind After Surgery: A Concern for Parents

Answer： If there are visible black spots on the surface, you can use a disinfected needle and very fine tweezers (or even microsurgical tweezers) to remove the foreign body. <br>However, this is not the main challenge; the biggest difficulty is that your child is only three years

Suture removal incomplete?

My daughter just turned three years old and fell on April 21, 2002, resulting in five stitches on her forehead.
The stitches were removed on April 27.
Since then, the area where the stitches were has felt a bit rough to the touch.
In June, a nursing friend informed me that there might be remnants of the suture left after the removal.
Due to being busy, I delayed taking her to a surgeon to have the suture ends removed until yesterday.
The surgeon indicated that the ends have been encapsulated by tissue.
My friend relayed that since there is no pus, the clinic did not take any action.
I would like to know how the suture ends can be removed.
If we wait for pus to develop, will it leave more noticeable scars on her face? Currently, there is already a scar from the five stitches, and there is a prominent black dot at the site of the suture ends.
Is there any way to remove it? A worried and regretful mother.

Yun, 0~9 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/07/25

Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery

Answer: If there are visible black spots on the surface, you can use a disinfected needle and very fine tweezers (or even microsurgical tweezers) to remove the foreign body.
However, this is not the main challenge; the biggest difficulty is that your child is only three years old and is unlikely to remain calm while the physician performs this painful procedure.
Performing this procedure under general anesthesia would be overly complicated.
Therefore, the physician would suggest that if a topical anesthetic (EMLA) is applied to the affected area for thirty minutes, and if the child can be reassured to overcome their fear of medical procedures, it may be possible to remove the thread ends while the child remains calm during the wound care.
Dr.
K.
H.
Lo, Plastic Surgery.

Reply Date: 2002/07/25

More Info

When it comes to the concern of leftover stitches after surgery, especially in children, it is understandable for parents to feel anxious. In your case, your three-year-old daughter had stitches on her forehead, and after the stitches were removed, there was a rough feeling at the site, which was later identified as possibly leftover suture material. Here’s a comprehensive approach to address your concerns.

Understanding the Situation
After a surgical procedure, especially one involving stitches, it is not uncommon for some suture material to remain embedded in the skin. This can happen for several reasons, including the type of sutures used (absorbable vs. non-absorbable), the healing process, and the technique of the initial stitch removal. If the leftover suture material is not causing any infection or significant discomfort, it may not require immediate intervention. However, it is essential to monitor the area for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge.

What to Do Next
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: The best course of action is to consult a healthcare provider, preferably a dermatologist or the original surgeon. They can assess the site and determine if the leftover suture needs to be removed. If it is indeed embedded in the tissue, they may need to perform a minor procedure to extract it safely.

2. Avoid Self-Removal: It is crucial not to attempt to remove the suture material yourself. Doing so can lead to complications, including infection, scarring, or further injury to the skin.

3. Monitor for Infection: Keep an eye on the area for any signs of infection. If you notice any symptoms such as pus, increased pain, or fever, seek medical attention promptly.

4. Scar Management: Since there is already a scar from the initial stitches, you may want to discuss scar management options with your healthcare provider. Treatments can include silicone gel sheets, topical treatments, or even laser therapy, depending on the scar's appearance and your child's age.

5. Patience with Healing: Scars can take time to mature and may change in appearance over months. It’s essential to be patient and allow the body to heal naturally.

Preventing Future Concerns
To prevent similar situations in the future, ensure that any surgical site is monitored closely during the healing process. If you notice any unusual changes, such as roughness or discomfort, consult a healthcare provider sooner rather than later. Additionally, educate yourself about the types of sutures used in any procedures your child may undergo, as this knowledge can help you understand what to expect during the healing process.

Conclusion
In summary, while it is concerning to have leftover suture material, it is essential to approach the situation with care. Consulting a healthcare professional is the best way to ensure that any remaining stitches are dealt with appropriately. Monitoring for signs of infection and discussing scar management options can also help alleviate your concerns. Remember, healing takes time, and with proper care, your child’s skin will continue to improve.

Similar Q&A

Unremoved Surgical Stitches: Risks and Concerns After Orthopedic Surgery

Hello doctor, two weeks ago I had a car accident and fractured my hand. Last week, I returned for a follow-up appointment and had my stitches removed. Yesterday, I took off the bandage and noticed that it seems like the surgical stitches weren't completely removed; there are...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
If the sutures are absorbable, they will dissolve on their own. However, if they are non-absorbable sutures, it is best to remove them, as they can sometimes lead to infection.

Do Children Always Need General Anesthesia for Stitches Removal?

Hello, I would like to ask a question. My goddaughter was recently injured by a dog on her philtrum and nasal cavity. The doctor has stitched the wound, but informed us that if the stitches in the nasal cavity cannot be removed smoothly, the child will need to undergo general ane...

Dr. Huang Yuanhui reply Surgery
If a child experiences excessive fear and resistance during the suture removal process, it may lead to wound dehiscence and bleeding. In such cases, administering general anesthesia through enema or inhalation to calm the child can be a good approach. Another method is for parent...

Understanding Surgical Sutures: Risks of Loosening and Infection

If the sutures have loosened but are not falling out, could this lead to infection or inflammation? Does the protruding part need to be addressed by a physician, or can it be cut off at home? Thank you.

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Hello: In response to your question, as long as the wound remains clean, even if the stitches loosen, there should be no infection or inflammation. It is best to return to the clinic for the physician to handle the protruding part, as it is not possible to determine the internal ...

How Long Should You Wait to Remove Stitches After a Cut?

A 10-year-old child sustained a laceration above the knee from glass, with a horizontal cut approximately 0.5 cm deep (involving the dermis but not reaching the bone) and about 5 to 6 cm wide. The emergency department sutured the wound with 8 stitches. Currently, 10 days post-inj...

Dr. Chen Bochen reply Orthopedics
Generally, stitches can be removed after 10 days, but it is best to have a physician assess the wound in person. After the stitches are removed, applying silicone tape can help reduce scar formation and minimize the risk of wound dehiscence.