healing of skin after chalazion removal

My 3 year old had to have surgery to remove a large chalazion from her lower eyelid.  The opthamologist used 7 stitches to close the incision which really concerned us because before surgery he had stated that it would probably only take 3-4 stitches.  3 days after surgery it looked as though one or two of her stitches had come loose because there was a gap in her skin. We immediately contacted the opthamologist and he looked at her the next day.  He said that it would be okay and that stitches come loose all the time and that the gap should close on it's own and to continue using TobraDex. It's been almost two weeks but the gap is still visible and the skin still looks red and irritated.  The skin also looks very uneven and bumpy.  What are some signs that the area may be infected or not healing properly?...and will we have to have another surgery to close the gap?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

That must have been a very large chalazion because we very rarely need to use sutures.  I assume that this one actually had to be done in the operating room which I have had to do only once in my career.  I can't tell you how things are coming along without seeing it in person.  I understand that you are concerned and justifiably so.  Yes, I would also be asking questions if I were in the same boat.  Infection would generally have a more intense redness and pain and perhaps fever.  Often in these type of minor lid surgeries an oral antibiotic can be useful in difficult cases.  Also, an I often use an antibiotic ointment for couple of days after the excision then switch to an antibiotic only ointment to help with healing.