Should worry if a lip biopsy stitch tore open after 3 days?

Dear kirti mani ji,

A single torn suture after a lower-lip cyst biopsy does not necessarily mean that there is a serious problem, especially since you have no pain or bleeding. However, because you can see that the wound has opened, you should inform the doctor or surgeon who performed the biopsy and have the area examined. Even a small opening after surgery should be reported to the treating doctor.

At around 3 days, the wound is still in the early healing phase, so the tissue has not yet regained its full strength. Some lip biopsy stitches are designed to dissolve within about 5–10 days or around 1–2 weeks, depending on the type used.

What Should You Do Now?

• Contact the doctor who performed the biopsy and tell them that one stitch has torn.

• If possible, arrange a wound check within the next 24 hours, particularly because you can see that the wound is open.

• Do not try to put the stitch back or close the wound yourself.

• Do not pull out the remaining stitches.

• Keep the area clean and follow the exact wound-care instructions given by your surgeon.

• If the biopsy was inside the mouth, follow the prescribed mouth-rinse instructions and keep the area clean.

• Eat soft foods for a few days and avoid hard, crunchy or chewy foods that can pull on the wound.

• Avoid smoking because it can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.

• Avoid repeatedly touching the wound with your fingers or tongue.

Can It Heal Without Another Stitch?

Possibly. A small, clean opening does not always require the doctor to place another stitch. The decision depends on how widely the wound has opened, how deep it is, where it is located, whether the biopsy site is inside or outside the lip, and whether there is any infection. Some reopened wounds can heal naturally, while others may need further treatment.

Therefore, do not assume that you need another suture, but also do not ignore the opening.

When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Attention?

Contact your doctor promptly or seek urgent care if you develop

• Bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure

• Increasing pain

• Increasing swelling or redness

• Pus or yellow/green discharge

• Fever

• Bad smell or taste from the wound

• The wound opening becomes larger or deeper

• Difficulty eating, swallowing or breathing

Increasing pain, swelling, warmth, pus or fever can indicate infection. 

If bleeding starts, apply firm, continuous pressure with clean gauze for about 20 minutes without repeatedly removing it to check. If bleeding continues, seek medical attention.

One More Important Point

Since this was a cyst biopsy, make sure you attend the scheduled follow-up and collect the biopsy/histopathology report. The biopsy result is important for confirming exactly what the cyst or lesion was and whether any further treatment is required.

How HexaHealth Can Help

We can help you connect with an appropriate oral and maxillofacial surgeon, general surgeon or other suitable specialist at our partner hospitals for examination and further treatment.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth