Facial Suture Removal Timing
Non-absorbable facial sutures should be removed after 5-7 days to minimize scarring. 1
Recommended Timeline
- Remove facial sutures at 5-7 days post-repair as the standard recommendation for optimal cosmetic outcomes 1
- This timing is based on expert opinion and clinical experience, balancing adequate wound healing with minimizing scar formation 2
- The face has excellent vascular supply, which allows for faster healing compared to other body locations 1
Rationale for Early Removal
- Earlier removal (5-7 days) prevents suture track marks that can develop when non-absorbable sutures remain in place too long 1
- Facial wounds heal more rapidly than wounds in other locations due to rich blood supply, allowing for earlier suture removal 1
- The dermis provides the primary tensile strength of the wound, not the superficial sutures, so early removal does not compromise wound integrity 3
Alternative Approaches to Avoid Suture Removal
- Rapidly absorbing synthetic sutures (polyglactin 910/Vicryl Rapide) can eliminate the need for suture removal, though they are not ideal for the cutaneous portion of facial wounds 1
- Absorbable monofilament options like poliglecaprone (Monocryl) or polyglyconate (Maxon) can be considered when follow-up for suture removal is problematic 1
- Tissue adhesives provide equivalent cosmetic outcomes for appropriate low-tension facial wounds and eliminate the need for removal 4