New question about donor area/suture removal

[Harry West]

I have a quick question about suture removal, but first a little background.

I had my first HT two weeks ago. According to the my post-op instructions, I am to get my sutures removed 10-14 days after my procedure. Today would be day 14 or course, and I haven't had them removed yet; I just never made the time to track down a local doctor to remove them (I had my procedure done 6 hours away and don't really want to drive 6 hours one-way to have my sutures removed).

So, my question: Is there any problem with having the sutures in a few days longer? I don't really see a problem with it, but then again, I am no doctor.

Also, my donor area is still a little tender to the touch after two weeks. Did others experience tenderness after two weeks, as well? If so, about how long till the donor area is pain-free? I don't notice any tenderness/pain unless I apply a little pressure.

Thanks so much, guys!

[TeeJay73]

Hey Harry,

Man, you have some serious patience! When it came time to remove my sutures, I was ecstatic. I didn't like the feel of those things in my head. I am not sure about the question of leaving them in longer; doesn't seem like a big deal. But like you, I am not a doctor.

My donor area, even now that I am 1 month post-op, is still a little tender and numb. I am almost certain that it is because some nerve endings get cut when the donor strip is excised, resulting in numbness. From my past HT experience, the numbness took a few months to subside, because the nerve endings had to regrow. As far as pain, soreness, and tenderness to the touch, I have some of that today, 1 month post-op. Nothing major, but I can tell it's there when I shampoo or run a brush thru it. It goes away little by little each day, from what I can tell thru my own experience.

Hope that helps man!

TeeJay

[Harry West]

As always, thanks, TeeJay.

Just had my sutures removed today, actually.

All is well.

[gillenator]

Hey Harry,

Glad to hear you finally got your sutures out and that everything is okay.

The best part is coming soon. The regrowth!