I pulled a leftover stitch after rhinoplasty — worry about deformity·contracture and the right response
2024. 2. 5.
If a stitch tip showed at the incision a month after open rhinoplasty and you pulled it with tweezers — could the nose deform or contracture occur? The doctor's answer on why a light pull doesn't deform the nose, and why leftover sutures should be removed at the operating hospital.
Key points
- A stitch tip may show at the incision a month after open rhinoplasty — a light pull with tweezers does not deform the nose.
- Worry about contracture is also unnecessary at this level of stimulation.
- Still, don't remove the remaining thread yourself — it's better to visit the hospital where you had surgery and have it removed.
"It's been a month and a week since my open rhinoplasty — I definitely had the stitches removed, but something like a stitch tip showed near the columella so I pulled it with tweezers. Is it okay?"
Even after stitch removal is done, seeing a thread tip at the incision later is alarming. If you tried to remove it yourself, got scared and stopped, and then the area swells or stings afterward, worry grows that the action might have harmed the nose. This article organizes the answer given to that actual question.
01
What was the situation?
Looking at the questioner's situation in order:
- A month and a week had passed since open rhinoplasty, and stitch removal was already done.
- But looking in the mirror, something like a stitch tip was sticking out at the incision, near the middle column of the nose.
- Trying to remove it themselves, they pulled somewhat hard with tweezers — feeling like cartilage or bone was being pulled along, they got scared and stopped.
- Afterward the area swelled a little, and it stung every time they moved the lower face — talking or pursing the lips.
What they worried about most was "could pulling the stitch create a contracted nose?"
02
Does pulling a stitch deform the nose?
The conclusion first: a light pull on a stitch does not deform the nose. If the stimulation was only this much, worry about a contracted nose forming is also unnecessary.
| Worry | Answer |
|---|---|
| Could the nose deform from pulling a stitch | A light pull doesn't cause deformity |
| Could a contracted nose form | No need to worry excessively |
| What to do with the leftover thread | Better to visit the operating hospital for removal |
What changes are natural at each post-op period can also be seen in the rhinoplasty recovery guide.
03
What should be done with a leftover stitch?
If a thread remains visible at the incision, rather than keep trying with tweezers, it's better to visit the hospital where you had surgery and have it removed — because the hospital can check the thread's condition directly and remove it safely.
Especially if you stopped after pulling hard on your own, the surest response is to comfortably visit the hospital where you were operated.
04
Summary — don't pull it out yourself, have it removed at the hospital
Seeing a thread tip at the surgical site is startling and makes you want to pull it out — but stopping midway after pulling hard with tweezers only grows the anxiety. Fortunately, a light pull isn't something to worry about for deformity or contracture, and the leftover thread can simply be removed at the hospital where you had surgery.
If the operating hospital is far or you want your state checked before visiting, you can use a 1:1 video consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions patients ask before a consultation.
I had all my stitches removed — why is a stitch tip showing?
It's swollen and stings after pulling the stitch — is something wrong?
Does pulling a stitch create a contracted nose?
Responses to treatment and recovery progress vary by individual. Outcomes and side effects vary from person to person. Bleeding, infection, swelling and asymmetry may occur. Please consult our medical team before making a decision.