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Everything You Need to Know About Eyebrow Stitches
Eyebrow stitches are a straightforward yet essential procedure for wound care, particularly when the injury is deep or gaping. Here are the main benefits of eyebrow stitches:
- Minimised Scarring: Properly placed stitches help reduce the likelihood of visible scarring.
- Protection from Infection: Stitches protect the wound from bacteria, reducing the risk of infection.
- Facial Aesthetics: Eyebrows are an important part of your facial appearance; careful stitching ensures a natural look post-recovery.
Some discomfort or swelling after the procedure is common, but this generally subsides within a few days as the wound heals. In most cases, stitches will be removed within 5 to 10 days, depending on the severity of the injury and the type of stitches used.
When Are Eyebrow Stitches Needed?
Eyebrow stitches are usually required when the wound is deep, wide, or won’t close by itself. Injuries from sports, accidents, or sharp objects may often lead to deep lacerations. If the edges of the wound do not meet naturally, stitches are essential to ensure the skin heals properly and to avoid unnecessary scarring. In some cases, surgical procedures on the face, including cosmetic surgery, may require stitches in the eyebrow area.
Prompt medical care is important, especially for facial injuries, as improper healing can lead to permanent visible scars.
Before Treatment
Consultation
During your consultation, a healthcare professional will assess the wound’s depth, length, and severity. The assessment will determine if stitches are required and what type of stitches are most appropriate. In some cases, dissolvable stitches may be used, particularly for children or those unable to return for removal. Your doctor will explain the procedure, discuss aftercare, and address any concerns regarding scarring and healing.
Pre-Procedure Instructions
Before receiving stitches, your healthcare provider will clean the wound thoroughly to remove any debris and reduce the risk of infection. For larger wounds, a local anaesthetic may be applied to numb the area. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions before the procedure, such as avoiding touching the wound or applying any creams, as these can introduce bacteria.
If you take blood-thinning medications, let your doctor know, as this may affect how the wound heals.
During the Procedure
Anaesthesia
A local anaesthetic will be applied to the area around your eyebrow, ensuring that you feel no pain during the stitching process. For minor wounds, this may not always be necessary, but it can be used to keep you at ease.
Stitches Placement
Once the area is numb, your doctor will carefully place the stitches. Each stitch will be placed to ensure the wound heals well and that the scar is as minimal as possible. Depending on the nature of the injury, you may receive either dissolvable stitches (which naturally break down over time) or non-dissolvable stitches (which will need to be removed by a doctor).
After The Procedure
After your eyebrow stitches are placed, it’s essential to care for the wound properly to avoid complications and ensure optimal healing.
Immediate Post-Op Care
After the procedure, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions for wound care. This includes keeping the area clean, dry, and protected from the sun. For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid touching the stitches unnecessarily. Swelling, bruising, or slight redness around the stitches is normal and should subside within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief may be used if necessary.
Long-Term Care and Scar Management
Stitches typically remain in place for 5 to 10 days, depending on the wound’s location and severity. Once the stitches are removed, your doctor will provide further advice on caring for the area. To minimise scarring, it is important to keep the area moisturised and protected from the sun. Special silicone gels or scar-reducing creams may be recommended by your doctor to help improve the appearance of any remaining marks.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with an initial consultation where your wound will be assessed, and your treatment plan will be discussed
The Procedure
During the procedure, stitches will be placed to ensure the wound heals optimally, with a focus on reducing visible scarring.
The Follow Up
After the procedure, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to check on the wound’s healing and to have the stitches removed.
Scar Management
Your doctor will guide you through appropriate scar care, ensuring the best cosmetic outcome following the procedure.
Top Tips
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your healing wound from the sun to minimise discolouration and scarring.
- Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid infection and ensure proper healing.
- Apply Scar-Reducing Creams: Once the stitches are removed, use prescribed creams to minimise scarring.
- Do Not Pick at the Stitches: Picking at the stitches can delay healing and increase the risk of infection or scarring. Avoid this to allow the eyebrow to heal properly.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.