Is It a Problem If a Suture Is Left Behind After Eyelid Suture Removal? A Guide to Safe Management

Retained sutures after double eyelid surgery are not uncommon. If detected early, the doctor can remove them safely while fully preserving your double eyelid result.

Quick summary: Retained sutures can occur after double eyelid surgery, but in most cases they cause no problems if they are detected and treated promptly. Contact us right away if you see a suture poking out or notice any unusual signs, so your doctor can examine you and remove the suture safely.

The information on safe management of retained eyelid sutures has been provided by Dr. Nguyễn Xuân Vũ (MD, MSc, Specialist Level II), Medical Director at BonBoz Clinic (Operating License No. 10036/HCM-GPHĐ for aesthetics and No. 11113/HCM-GPHĐ for dermatology). With Practice Certificate No. 007827/ĐL-CCHN issued by the Dak Lak Department of Health, and more than 15 years of hands-on experience performing over 20,000 surgeries, Dr. Vũ ensures the clinical content is trustworthy.

Expert perspective: "Retained sutures after double eyelid surgery can occur, but in most cases they cause no problems if they are detected and managed promptly by a specialist doctor." — Dr. Nguyễn Xuân Vũ, MD, MSc, Specialist Level II Prompt management of post-operative issues is a core professional principle in aesthetic medicine.

What are retained sutures after double eyelid surgery?

During double eyelid surgery, the surgeon uses sutures to join tissues together according to the surgical plan. Once the eyelid has healed, the sutures either dissolve on their own or are removed at a follow-up visit. Occasionally, one or several sutures remain under the skin or are not fully removed. This is usually due to:

• The suture being small or deep within the tissue, making it hard to detect during examination
• The suture becoming buried as the skin heals
• An oversight by the doctor, or the patient not attending the post-operative follow-up visit

What are the signs of a retained suture?

If a suture has been left behind, you may notice:

• Stinging or irritation in the eyelid area
• A suture visible on the surface or protruding under the skin
• A small bump or swelling at the incision
• The eyelid not recovering as expected within the usual timeframe
• In addition, a retained suture usually causes no pain or bleeding, so sometimes you may not notice anything at all

If you notice any of these signs, you should inform your doctor immediately. According to the NHS (UK), after eyelid surgery you should contact the place where you had your surgery right away if you have severe pain or any unusual symptoms.

How are retained sutures treated?

When a retained suture is found, we proceed as follows:

1. 1Re-examine the eyelid to pinpoint the exact location of the suture
2. 2Clean the eyelid area with an antiseptic solution
3. 3Use a needle or a small instrument to free the suture from the tissue without damaging the surrounding skin
4. 4Remove the suture completely
5. 5Apply an anti-inflammatory medication to help prevent infection

This procedure is very safe and quick. You do not need another surgery or any additional stitches. In most cases, the wound heals quickly once the suture has been removed.

Why is early treatment important?

A retained suture is not an emergency, but it should be dealt with within the first few weeks after surgery. The reasons are:

• If the suture is still fresh and the skin has not fully healed, removal is easier
• A suture left in place for a long time may cause mild inflammation or form small bumps
• It may affect the shape of the eyelid if left too long
• Early removal lowers the risk of infection and other complications

The wound care instructions from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) also advise contacting your surgeon if the area around the incision becomes more red, more painful, swollen, or starts to bleed.

Therefore, if you suspect you have a retained suture, please contact BonBoz right away for an examination and treatment. Your doctor will examine you thoroughly and remove the suture safely.

How can retained sutures be prevented?

To reduce the chance of a retained suture, you can:

• Attend your post-operative follow-up visit on schedule (usually 1–2 weeks after)
• Tell your doctor if you notice any unusual signs
• Follow your doctor's post-operative eyelid care instructions
• If a suture needs to be removed, let your doctor do it; do not apply anything to it or pull on it yourself — MedlinePlus also advises: do not pull on or remove stitches yourself; non-dissolving stitches will be removed by the surgeon

Double eyelid surgery at BonBoz is performed by experienced doctors, with careful suturing and checking procedures. However, every body responds differently, so close monitoring during the recovery period is very important.

If you are considering double eyelid surgery, or have already had it and have questions about your recovery, please contact BonBoz for detailed advice. We are always ready to support you on your journey to more beautiful eyes.

See also: 5 criteria for choosing a good place for double eyelid surgery in Ho Chi Minh City

Frequently Asked Questions

Are retained sutures dangerous?

Retained sutures are generally not dangerous if they are detected and treated within a reasonable time. However, if left in place without being removed, a suture may cause mild inflammation or a tissue reaction. So as soon as you notice one, contact your doctor for an examination.

How soon should a retained suture be removed?

A retained suture should be removed within 2–4 weeks of being detected. The sooner the better: while the skin is still in the healing phase, removal is easier and has less impact on the final result.

Does removing a retained suture require anesthesia?

No general anesthesia is needed. Removing a retained suture is a minor procedure done in the clinic. Your doctor will apply a mild topical anesthetic so you do not feel pain.

Will my eyelid recover normally after the suture is removed?

Yes. If the suture is removed in time, the eyelid will continue to recover normally. The wound heals quickly once the suture is removed, and the shape of the eyelid usually does not change.

I skipped my post-operative follow-up. Can a retained suture fall out on its own?

It may fall out on its own, but this is not certain. Some sutures dissolve gradually over time, while others become buried under the skin and do not come out naturally. Therefore, you should attend a follow-up visit so your doctor can check and remove the suture if necessary.

References

• NHS (UK) — Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), accessed 02/09/2026
• MedlinePlus — Surgical wound care – closed, accessed 02/09/2026

1. What are the signs of a retained suture after double eyelid surgery?

You may notice a small black or blue dot (depending on the type of suture) along the eyelid crease, or feel a lump or mild discomfort. Sometimes the eyelid may be slightly swollen and red, or show mild signs of inflammation around the suture. If you suspect a retained suture, you should visit BonBoz Clinic so a specialist doctor can examine you in person.

2. Can a retained suture affect the aesthetic result of the eyelid?

Yes, a retained suture can affect the natural beauty of the eyelid, causing unsightly scarring, an uneven eyelid crease, or a loss of overall harmony. Removing a retained suture promptly helps the eyelid recover better and achieve the best aesthetic result. The doctors at BonBoz Clinic will assess your eyelid and advise on the most suitable treatment.