Surgical Clips Left in Body: When They Stay & When They're Removed

Internal vs. External Surgical Clips

Internal Clips (Usually Permanent)

• Used on vessels, ducts, tissue approximation.
• Materials: titanium (inert, non-magnetic), polymer (absorbable).
• Well-tolerated; rarely cause issues.
• Visible on X-ray/CT/MRI (artifact).
• No removal needed unless migration or complication.

External Skin Clips (Temporary)

• Close skin incisions (alternative to sutures/staples).
• Materials: stainless steel, nylon, titanium.
• Removed at 7–14 days (face/neck) or 10–21 days (body) when tensile strength adequate.
• Removal is quick, minimally uncomfortable.

Patient Guidance

• Ask your surgeon which clips were used and the plan.
• Report any clip sensation, skin irritation, or imaging artifact concerns.
• MRI safety: modern clips are MRI-conditional; inform radiology.

Clip retention is standard practice for internal use; removal is routine for skin closure.