When Are Stitches Removed After Rhinoplasty? Timeline & tips for international clients

How many days after rhinoplasty are stitches removed? This is a common question especially among international clients who have a short stay in Vietnam. The stitch-removal timing plays a key role in safety, the healing process, and the final nose shape after surgery. Removing stitches too early or too late can both affect the aesthetic outcome.

I. How many days after rhinoplasty are stitches removed?

Stitches are typically removed about 5–7 days after rhinoplasty, once the incision is stable, swelling / bruising has reduced, and the wound has begun to heal. However, the timing may be earlier or later depending on each person’s healing response, to ensure safety and to minimize the risk of infection, poor scarring, or damage to the incision.

What factors affect the stitch-removal timeline after rhinoplasty?

The stitch-removal timing depends on the rhinoplasty technique, the location and length of the incision, the patient’s healing tendency, and post-op care.

• Rhinoplasty method: Simple rhinoplasty usually allows stitch removal after 5–7 days, while structural rhinoplasty or procedures using rib cartilage often require 7–10 days due to deeper surgical work.
• Incision location and length: Larger or deeper incisions generally need more time to recover, while smaller incisions and fast tissue healing may allow earlier stitch removal.
• Individual healing profile: Patients with healthy skin, faster scar healing, and good blood circulation may have stitches removed sooner. In contrast, those prone to raised scars (hypertrophic/keloid) or slower healing may need a longer timeline.
• Post-operative care: Proper hygiene, cold compresses, a healthy diet, and avoiding impact or pressure help tissues heal faster and support safe stitch removal.

Depending on individual healing, the timing for removing stitches after a nose surgery may vary.

II. What is the stitch-removal process after rhinoplasty?

Stitch removal after rhinoplasty is a simple procedure performed at a medical facility. It does not require anesthesia and usually takes about 5–10 minutes. Patients may feel a mild pinching or tingling sensation, but when performed skillfully by a doctor, the process is almost painless and very safe.

Step 1: Incision assessment

The doctor schedules a follow-up visit about 5–10 days after surgery, depending on the rhinoplasty technique and the patient’s healing condition. During this visit, the doctor checks the wound-healing progress, the stability of the stitches, and the level of swelling or bruising to ensure the nose is stable enough for safe stitch removal.

Step 2: Preparation of instruments

The medical team prepares fully sterilized stitch-removal instruments. This ensures a clean, safe environment and helps prevent infection throughout the procedure.

Step 3: Stitch removal

The doctor uses specialized forceps and scissors to carefully remove each stitch. The process is performed gently, without placing pressure on the healing nasal tissues. Patients usually feel only slight numbness or a mild pinching sensation, with little to no pain.

Step 4: Post-removal care

After the stitches are removed, the incision is thoroughly cleaned and covered with protective dressing if necessary. The doctor may apply anti-inflammatory medication or healing ointment to support tissue recovery. Patients are also given home-care instructions, including avoiding impact and maintaining proper hygiene, to ensure optimal healing of the nose.

The doctor personally removes the stitches, ensuring safety and preventing complications.

III. After stitch removal, is the nose fully healed?

After stitches are removed, the nose is not fully healed yet—it is still in the recovery phase and will gradually stabilize. Swelling usually continues to go down, the incision becomes more secure, and the nose begins to take shape. However, for complete healing and the most natural-looking result, it typically takes about 3–6 months.

Detailed recovery stages after stitch removal:

• Days 1–3: The incision may still look slightly pink, with mild swelling. A light tightness around the nose is normal.
• Days 4–7: New skin starts to form, the wound dries, and discomfort largely fades. You may begin applying anti-scar cream if advised.
• Weeks 3–4: The nose feels softer; the shape refines and becomes more defined. Swelling is almost gone, and you can return to light daily activities.
• 1 month: The nose is relatively stable, the shape is clearer, and the incision is fully closed.
• 3–6 months: The final result becomes fully stable—most natural and aesthetically optimal.

The nose needs time to fully heal and settle into its final shape.

IV. Post–stitch removal care after rhinoplasty

After rhinoplasty stitch removal, you should rest, avoid strenuous activity, clean the nose gently, apply anti-scar cream, avoid foods that may worsen scarring, and attend regular follow-up visits to support faster healing, reduce swelling, and achieve a natural-looking result.

• Rest and limit physical activity: Avoid intense exercise, bending your head down, playing sports, or any activity that may put pressure on the nose for the first 4–6 weeks. Do not touch, squeeze, massage, or let the nose be bumped to keep the incision stable.
• Nose hygiene: Clean the area with an antiseptic solution or sterile saline as instructed by your doctor. Avoid touching the nose directly with your hands to reduce the risk of infection.
• Apply anti-scar cream: Starting around 4–7 days after stitch removal, apply anti-scar cream 3–4 times per day to support even healing, reduce the risk of poor scarring, and help the nose shape settle well.
• Diet: Avoid foods that may trigger scarring or allergies such as seafood, chicken, and sticky rice/glutinous rice products. Increase vegetables, fruits, vitamins, and water to help your body recover faster.
• Monitoring and follow-up visits: Attend scheduled check-ups over the next 1–3 months so the doctor can address issues early if you notice swelling, redness, discharge, or any other unusual signs.

Keep the nose area clean and avoid touching or pressing it.

V. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions for International Patients

1. How many days after rhinoplasty is stitch removal the safest?

The safest timeframe for stitch removal is usually 5–10 days, depending on the rhinoplasty technique, individual healing response, and recovery speed. Simple rhinoplasty often allows stitch removal after 5–7 days, while structural rhinoplasty or procedures using rib cartilage typically require 7–10 days.

2. If I stay in Vietnam for only 5 days, can my stitches be removed?

If your stay in Vietnam is limited to 5 days, stitch removal may be possible in simple rhinoplasty cases where the incision is small and initial healing has begun. However, for more complex procedures or slower-healing patients, doctors usually recommend waiting at least 7 days to ensure safety and to reduce the risk of swelling, infection, or incision damage.

3. Is stitch removal painful?

Stitch removal is generally not painful. You may feel mild numbness or a slight pinching sensation. When performed by an experienced doctor, discomfort is minimal and the procedure takes only a few minutes.

4. Do I need follow-up visits after stitch removal?

Yes. Follow-up visits are still necessary after stitch removal so the doctor can monitor wound healing and address any signs of swelling, redness, discharge, or other abnormalities. You will also receive further care instructions to help the nose stabilize and achieve a natural shape.

5. If I return to my home country, where should I have my stitches removed?

For maximum safety and optimal results, stitch removal should ideally be performed at Kangnam Aesthetic Hospital or its official branches. The medical team there is familiar with your surgical case, uses gentle techniques, and ensures proper wound healing while maintaining a natural, well-shaped nose.

6. Does delayed stitch removal affect the final result?

Delayed stitch removal may affect recovery by prolonging swelling, making stitches harder to remove, and slightly increasing the risk of minor scarring, which can slow down the shaping process. However, a delay of just a few days usually does not significantly impact overall safety or results.

The timing of stitch removal after rhinoplasty should always be determined by a doctor to ensure safety and stable results. Proper care after stitch removal helps the nose heal faster and achieve a natural, refined shape.

International patients can contact Kangnam Aesthetic Hospital for detailed consultation on rhinoplasty procedures, post-operative care guidance, and support in planning a suitable schedule during their stay in Vietnam.