When Are Stitches Removed After a Facelift?
Sutures in front of the ear often come out around day five to seven, while those in the hairline may stay a few days longer.
Stitch removal after a facelift usually happens in stages. Fine sutures along the front of the ear tend to come out around the fifth to seventh day, while sutures or staples hidden in the hairline, where tension is higher, are often kept until around day ten. The exact plan depends on the technique used and on healing speed, which differs by individual.
What removal day does and does not mean
Having stitches out does not mean the wound is fully mature — the incision line keeps remodeling for months. Early on, keep the line dry as instructed, skip picking at crusts, and let dissolvable sutures, if used, absorb on their own schedule.
Do not try to remove or trim a loose stitch yourself; call the clinic instead. If the line becomes increasingly red, oozes, or opens at any point after removal, consult your specialist promptly — early review keeps a small issue small.
MediIndex articles are for general information only and are not medical advice, diagnosis, or advertising. Outcomes vary by individual — consult a board-certified specialist for personal decisions.