Missed Sutures After Rhinoplasty: Causes, Signs, and Management

What Are Retained Sutures After Rhinoplasty?

Retained sutures after rhinoplasty refer to a condition where a portion of the surgical thread is not fully removed during the recovery phase or becomes trapped within the tissue. These leftover sutures can cause tissue irritation, inflammation, or unnecessary scarring. Although rare, especially when the procedure is performed at reputable medical facilities like BonBoz, this condition still needs to be detected early and managed properly.

Quick summary: Retained sutures after rhinoplasty occur when a portion of the surgical thread is not completely removed. The main signs include visible suture ends on the surface of the nose, prolonged swelling, or persistent bleeding and discharge. You should schedule a follow-up visit at the clinic immediately for a doctor to examine and resolve the issue.

Warning Signs of Retained Sutures After Rhinoplasty

During rhinoplasty, suture removal typically takes place 10–14 days post-surgery. If you notice any of the following symptoms, please contact BonBoz immediately:

• Visible suture ends protruding from the surface of the nose, especially around the nasal bridge or alar base
• Prolonged swelling, warmth, and redness persisting 2–3 weeks after surgery
• Abnormal bleeding or discharge (pus or serous fluid)
• Feeling a "foreign body" sensation in the nose when touching or washing your face
• Significant nasal asymmetry or deviation after the swelling has subsided
• Pus, localized swelling, warmth, redness, or pain at the suture site

In particular, if you experience a high fever above 38.5°C accompanied by a swollen, warm nose, you must notify your doctor immediately, as this could be a sign of infection.

Why Do Sutures Get Left Behind?

There are several reasons why sutures may be missed during removal:

• Sutures are embedded too deeply in the soft tissue or trapped under scar tissue, making them difficult for the doctor to detect
• Sutures are stained with physiological fluids, blood, or nasal discharge, making them hard to see and locate
• The specific rhinoplasty technique used (structural, cartilage-shielded, or rib cartilage) affects suture placement
• Oversight during the suture removal process—though rare at professional facilities
• The suture breaks into small fragments during removal, leaving a portion behind

This is why choosing a reputable clinic and adhering to scheduled follow-up appointments (at 1, 3, and 6 months) is highly important.

Proper Post-Rhinoplasty Care to Avoid Complications


To minimize the risk of retained sutures and other complications, you must adhere to proper post-operative care:

First 1–2 days:

• Apply cold compresses for 10–15 minutes per session, 5 times a day, to reduce swelling and limit bleeding

From day 3 onwards:

• Switch to warm compresses to promote blood circulation and aid healing

Dietary restrictions for 1 month:

• Seafood, beef, glutinous rice, water spinach, alcohol, carbonated soft drinks, coffee, fermented fish sauce, and fermented bean curd

Activity precautions:

• Limit laughing out loud and talking excessively—these movements stretch the skin and sutures
• Do not touch, squeeze, or pinch the nasal area
• Wash your face gently, avoiding contact with the nose

Timeline for suture removal and care:

• Day 1: Drainage tube removal
• Day 5: Nasal splint change
• Day 10–14: Suture removal / dressing removal

Routine follow-ups:

• 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery—these are opportunities for the doctor to check the sutures, ensure nasal symmetry, and rule out complications

If you fully comply with these instructions and attend your follow-up appointments on schedule, the likelihood of retained sutures will be extremely low.

What to Do If You Suspect Retained Sutures?

If you suspect that sutures have been left behind, do not worry too much—this condition is easily manageable. Please:

1. 1Contact BonBoz Clinic immediately to schedule an urgent follow-up appointment
2. 2Describe your symptoms in detail: whether you can see the suture, how long the swelling has lasted, and if there is any bleeding or discharge
3. 3The doctor will perform a physical examination, use specialized instruments to locate the retained suture, and remove it
4. 4If necessary, the doctor will clean the suture area and provide additional care instructions
5. 5Monitor the wound after the procedure—it typically returns to normal within a few days to 1 week

Do not attempt to pull or cut the sutures at home, as you may damage the tissue and cause further scarring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are retained sutures dangerous?

Retained sutures are not dangerous if detected early. However, if left for a long time, they can cause inflammation, pus discharge, or unnecessary scar tissue formation. This is why it is essential to attend all follow-up appointments and contact us immediately if you notice any unusual signs.

Is removing the remaining sutures painful?

The process of removing retained sutures is usually not very painful, as doctors are highly skilled in this procedure. You may feel a slight tugging or localized tension, but not pain. If you are anxious, please inform your doctor beforehand so they can ensure your comfort.

Will retained sutures leave a scar?

Whether scarring occurs depends on the removal process and subsequent aftercare. If the sutures are removed early and the wound is cared for properly, scarring will be minimal—typically just tiny marks at the suture points. The doctors at BonBoz will provide post-removal care instructions to ensure any scarring fades as much as possible.

How can I ensure no sutures are left behind?

The best way is to strictly adhere to all follow-up appointments (on day 1, day 5, days 10–14, and then at 1, 3, and 6 months), maintain nasal hygiene as instructed, and report any abnormalities to your doctor immediately. Choosing a reputable clinic like BonBoz also significantly reduces this risk, as our doctors perform thorough examinations and meticulous suture removal.

What should I avoid during recovery after rhinoplasty?

You should avoid inflammatory foods such as seafood, beef, glutinous rice, water spinach, alcohol, carbonated soft drinks, coffee, fermented fish sauce, and fermented bean curd for 1 month. Limit laughing out loud and talking excessively to avoid stretching the nose. Do not touch, squeeze, or pinch your nose. Properly apply cold compresses for the first 2 days (10–15 minutes per session, 5 times a day), then switch to warm compresses from day 3.

Content compiled and reviewed by the medical specialist team at BonBoz Clinic.