When Are Facial Sutures Removed? A Healing Timeline

Facial sutures are typically removed sooner than sutures elsewhere on the body — usually within about 5 to 7 days — because facial skin heals quickly and has a rich blood supply, and because leaving sutures in longer increases the risk of visible stitch marks ("track marks") on an area that's always on display.

Why Facial Healing Is Different

The face heals faster than most other areas of the body, partly due to its excellent blood supply. This is why facial sutures come out earlier than, say, sutures on the abdomen or leg, which are often left in place for two weeks or more.

What Happens After Removal

• The wound is usually reinforced with fine adhesive strips for extra support after suture removal
• Sun protection over the healing scar is particularly important, as new scars are more prone to visible discoloration with UV exposure
• Some pinkness and firmness in the scar is normal for weeks to months afterward as it matures

When to Be Concerned

Increasing redness, swelling, or discharge around a healing facial wound is worth having checked promptly, rather than waiting for a scheduled follow-up.

Learn more about how mature scars are treated on the scar revision procedure page.