Wound opening

Possible complications include the wound opening "dehiscence," which may necessitate another "secondary" procedure to close it. Sometimes this happens after the sutures are removed. So why not just leave them in longer? Plastic surgeons prefer not to leave sutures in longer than necessary, to avoid little suture tracks. This is also the reason we use tiny sutures. Occasionally a wound may open. If it is small, it may be best just to let it heal in on its own. If the wound is larger or in a cosmetically sensitive area, I may close it again with a few sutures in the office.

Infection

Always a risk in surgery, but the face has an excellent blood supply, so that infection is unusual and typically clears up quickly with antibiotics and suture removal (infections clear more quickly when the sutures are removed).

Scarring

Full-thickness skin incisions always leave scars. However, on the face these are usually fine lines that blend in well with the natural skin creases. Patients who are prone to hypertrophic scars or keloids may have objectionable scars.

Hyperpigmentation

Any surgical wound exposed to ultraviolet light may respond by producing melanin, causing the scar to darken and become more conspicuous. Sunblock is recommended at least until the redness has faded, and longer if the patient has an olive complexion and may be more prone to hyperpigmentation.

Recurrence

If there is pigmented tissue left behind, a new mole may form, possibly necessitating an operation later on to remove a persistent mole. Plastic surgeons prefer full-thickness excisions for just this reason – to reduce the risk of recurrence (or more accurately, persistence).