This topic is about concerns related to the timing and potential pain of removing staples or stitches after a proctectomy, often referred to as "Barbie-butt" surgery. The patient had their surgery on June 12 and is worried about the removal process scheduled for July 9, which is four weeks post-operation. Here are some insights and advice shared by others who have experienced similar situations:

1. Many people have had their stitches or staples removed between 4 to 6 weeks after surgery without any issues. This timing is generally considered acceptable.

2. You might feel some discomfort or a sharp pinching sensation during the removal, but the pain is usually brief. Most people feel immediate relief once the staples or stitches are out.

3. If non-dissolvable stitches are used, they might be thicker, like a "fishing-line," which can make cutting them a bit harder and momentarily more painful. It's a good idea to discuss this with your medical team so they can be prepared with the right tools or possibly use a local anesthetic to ease the process.

4. In some cases, surgeons use fully dissolvable sutures, which means no removal is necessary. If this is the case, you might notice minor drainage for up to 4 to 5 weeks as your body continues to heal.