Is it bad if the eyelid suture is left behind? Answer from the doctor
Eyelid suture removal is a procedure performed within 2 – 7 days after surgery, depending on the individual’s constitution and healing process. However, in some cases, even if the doctor has removed the sutures, there is still a risk of leftover sutures. So when is it a problem if there are leftover eyelid sutures? The article below will help you answer this question and share care tips to avoid eye infections.
1. [Answer] Is it a problem if there are leftover eyelid sutures?
Returning to the clinic for suture removal is usually indicated for those who have undergone eyelid surgery using non-absorbable sutures. However, if you notice the sutures are exposed or protruding after eyelid surgery, you should also see a doctor for examination and suture removal.
Accordingly, during the suture removal process, if the doctor does not perform the procedure carefully and leaves behind sutures, you may encounter dangerous complications such as:
- Affecting the healing speed: Leftover sutures in the eyelid will trigger the body’s foreign body reaction, leading to an inflammatory response to eliminate the suture. This results in the area with leftover sutures becoming swollen, inflamed, and abscessed, causing the wound to heal more slowly.
- Skin irritation: The leftover suture can cause the wound to become swollen and irritated.application. This can affect the process of shaping the eyelid crease, impacting aesthetic results.
- Infection: Residual sutures in the eyelids can lead to a blockage of a gland under the eye, causing fluid accumulation and resulting in infection. This can cause the patient to experience swelling, pain, and discomfort in the eyelids.
- Keloid: If the sutures are not completely removed, the residual suture site may be encapsulated by granulation tissue, leading to the appearance of unsightly scars, keloids that affect aesthetics.

2. Signs to recognize residual sutures in the eyelids after suture removal
Here are some signs to help you identify whether there are residual sutures after removal:
- The eyelids are swollen and red for an extended period and show increasing signs.
- The eyelids show signs of pus formation, with unusual discharge, which may be mucus. has a yellow color.
- The eyelid area has a small hard lump that may cause unevenness between the eyes.
- The eyelids are painful, uncomfortable when touched.
- The eyelids may be itchy, gritty, accompanied by signs of irritation such as redness and swelling.
3. Common causes of leftover eyelid sutures
The condition of leftover eyelid sutures after cutting can occur due to the following reasons:
3.1. Poorly skilled doctor
The doctor lacks solid expertise; when performing eyelid surgery, they may suture too deeply in the eyelid, leading to the sutures adhering to the tissues, making it more difficult to remove them. Additionally, a doctor with little experience may perform the procedure clumsily, resulting in leftover sutures.
3.2. Swollen eyelid folds obscuring the sutures
After eyelid cutting, the person performing the procedure may experience irritation causing swelling of the wound, which can obscure the sutures. The swelling may persist until the suture removal time, making it difficult for the doctor to clearly see the knots, increasing the risk of leftover eyelid sutures.
3.3. Suturing too early
Typically, 5 – 7 days after eyelid surgery, you may be scheduled for suture removal by the doctor. At this time, the scar tissue has formed, and the new eyelid fold can be maintained.define even when there is no thread. Therefore, if the thread is cut too early, the scar tissue has not formed, and the wound is still swollen and painful, it may increase the risk of leaving behind threads that reduce aesthetic effectiveness.

4. Can I remove the remaining thread at home?
You should not attempt to remove the remaining thread after eyelid cutting at home. This can pose a risk of infection due to the environment not being sterile and lacking specialized tools. Additionally, you do not have sufficient professional skills, so you may not be able to remove all the sutures, leading to the situation of leftover threads in the eyelids.
5. What should I do if there are leftover eyelid threads to avoid infection?
When you feel that your eyelids show signs of leftover threads, you should contact your doctor to schedule an appointment for examination and find the earliest solution. To ensure safety, completely remove excess threads and minimize complications, you should choose a reputable cosmetic facility with a team of skilled doctors.
6. How to effectively prevent leftover eyelid threads from the start
To avoid the situation of leftover eyelid threads, you can pay attention to some points below:
- Chooseself-dissolving sutures: You should choose to have eyelid surgery with self-dissolving sutures instead of non-dissolving sutures. This type of suture is made from special materials such as synthetic polymers or plant-based proteins. When using self-dissolving threads, they can be absorbed by the body’s tissue enzymes, breaking down naturally when the wound has relatively stabilized.
- Perform eyelid surgery at a reputable unit: Choose to have eyelid surgery at a reputable cosmetic facility with a team of skilled doctors to ensure that the incision is not too deep in the eyelid, making it difficult to remove the sutures. In addition, the cosmetic facility uses high-biological-activity self-dissolving sutures to help minimize skin irritation and ensure safety after surgery.
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- Check eyelids after suture removal carefully: You should carefully check your eyelids after suture removal to determine if there are any remaining sutures. At the same time, you should also assess whether the surgical area is swollen, red, or bruised.
- Follow-up after suture removal as scheduled: Perform follow-up after eyelid suture removal according to the doctor’s instructions. This helps the doctor monitor the recovery process of the eyelids, ensuring effective recovery results.
The above is all the information to help you answer the question is it bad if there are remaining eyelid sutures. Accordingly, after suture removal, if you notice signs such as swollen, red eyelids, pain, pus, unusual discharge, or a feeling of discomfort in the eyes,… you should go to the cosmetic facility immediately for the doctor to check and provide timely solutions.
References
- mskcc.org. Caring for Yourself After Your Blepharoplasty. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/instructions-care-after-blepharoplasty (accessed on 27/02/2025).
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Understanding the desire to preserve the youthful beauty of the eyes for middle-aged women, Dr. Eye offers modern solutions to address all aging issues around the eyes such as sagging eyelids, eye bags, crow’s feet,…











