LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hi Dr. Lam,

First of all I would like to say that I am a fan of your work.

I have a quick question in regards to the healing of the asian double eyelid blepharoplasty procedure. I would really appreciate your opinion based on your professional experience and knowledge in this area.

A full incision technique was done and it was sutured with violet-dyed vicryl (no fat was removed). I've done some readings from several journals (particularly ASJ) and most recommend that sutures should be removed varying from 2-7 days after. What happens when the sutures were to be removed after about 2 weeks later? It is said that there is a possibility of external scarring and infection if sutures are left in place for too long. What is the definition of 'too long'?

Obviously we know that vicryl is resorbable but takes about 60-90 days to resorb completely. What are the consequences of not removing the sutures at all and waiting for it resorb completely?

Will the timing of suture removal affect the progress of recovery at all?

Thank you very much for your time and I hope to hear from you soon.

Hi,
Thanks for your question. To be honest, I have no experience with using Vicryl sutures for double eyelid surgery. I honestly think it would be inappropriate for me to comment on another surgeon's technique, especially if I have never used Vicryl sutures to hold a fixation in place. As you know, I tend to remove fixation sutures on the 7th day. In general, I believe that fixation holds pretty well if you remove sutures out at day 7 when you are performing a full incision method. You really need to ask your surgeon this question to be fair to him or her.
Best wishes,
SML

Hi again Dr Lam,

My sutures were removed a week ago at the GP. My plastic surgeon has gone on a long vacation and won't be back till the end of Jan.

One thing I'm really really worried about, the incision scar is red, irregular and very visible! From my internet research, apparently as time goes by the upper part will drape down and the crease will be lower etc.. will this in effect cover up the scar more too?
In fact I think the crease is unnaturally high too but maybe because my eyes are still swelled up?

I am afraid to look down or blink when I talk to someone because it is so obvious I had something done. No amount of makeup can cover the obvious scar!

Can I send you a picture or something to show you somehow? And how can I do it?

Thanks![/quote]

You don't need to send me a photo. What you are describing should be normal. The incision will look red and swollen even for a few more weeks but typically by the second week, it is a lot better. Just follow up with your surgeon afterwards. I am sure that he will take good care of you. Again, I should not be commenting on another surgeon's work because I don't know you, the surgeon, or what exactly you had done. This forum is intended to answer general questions about matters and not to to be a substitute for a clinical consultation.
best of luck,
sml