Removal of the Dreaded Stitches!
As we reach the end of 2011, I thought I'd share some of my most popular blog posts. Recently, we took a look back to when my French Bulldog, Francesca, accidentally hit me in the face. Almost as popular as that post was this one, when I finally had the stitches removed. Please enjoy, and I hope you all have a Happy (and safe) New Year!
One week after receiving a powerful head-butt from Francesca, my beloved French Bulldog, it was time to have the stitches removed. Dr. William Nolan, the plastic surgeon who met me in the emergency room, warned that if the stitches were left in too long, they would start to leave a zigzag impression on my upper lip. Because of my busy work schedule, I didn’t have time to go to Dr. Nolan’s office in Mt. Kisco, New York for the removal my nine stitches, so I called Dr. Gerald Imber, in New York City, an internationally known plastic surgeon and asked if he would do the task. On Tuesday, during a lunch break, when I was in between television shows, I rushed uptown in the snow and icy rain to have the procedure done. Once the stitches were removed, Dr. Imber was very pleased with what he saw and thought that I would continue to heal quite nicely. Thank you again, Dr. Nolan, for your fine stitching job. Thank you, Nurse Nousha, for your fine stitch removal. Thank you, Kevin, for accompanying me to Dr. Imber’s office and for taking these photos. And, thank you all for your concern and good wishes.
1 Dr. Imber's nurse, Nousha, was very accommodating and gentle.
2 The nine stitches were definitely ready to be removed.
3 Dr. Imber's new offices are clean, sleek, and very beautiful.
4 Using a very sharp razor-like cutter and a fine tweezer, Nousha removed the stitches one by one.
5 This task requires very steady hands.
6 It was slightly painful and I was so worried that the wound would start to bleed.
7 The nurse proceeded cautiously.
8 She was really gentle and appeared very confident.
9 However, the pulling was a bit disconcerting.
10 My lips were dry and a bit scabby, making removal slightly difficult.
11 Yikes!
12 Removing the stitches from the actual lip area made me quite tense.
13 Just a few left
14 The stitches actually look like tiny odd insects holding my lip together.
15 I was pretty patient, but the nurse was even more so.
16 Taking a break and gently swabbing me
17 Back to work
18 I was becoming a bit more sensitive to the pain.
19 Looks like three more to go
20 She left two in, thinking that possibly I would have to keep them a day or two longer - not happy to hear that!
21 Fortunately, Dr. Imber came to the rescue and he said to take them all out.
22 The very last stitches to remove were both in the lip itself.
23 You can see just how tiny the little stitches and knots were.
24 Dr. Imber - a noted plastic surgeon, me, and the beautiful nurse - Nousha.
25 Our post-procedure official portrait
26 I have known Dr. Imber for many years. In fact, he was my Mom's surgeon years ago and he has performed 'work' on many of my friends. I have yet to have any serious work done, but one never knows.
27 One last check
28 Applying the Steri-strip, made by 3M, which will protect the healing scar, keep the edges together, and keep the wound free from damage.
29 Pressing the tape in place
30 I approve!!!!
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
Oh Martha, I know that having the stitches taken out is almost as uncomfortable as having them put in. I had 5 under my arm, and I didn't like it at all.
I'm glad to see your lip is healing so well. I pray you won't have a scar, but...even if you do, it won't affect your looks.
Happy Healing!!!
Gloria G!!!!
Posted by: Gloria | January 20th, 2011 at 12:18 am
I had stitches in my gum and lip.( from falling ice) and I was kicking my foot in the front of the chair the whole time with tears running down my face. The most painful thing(other than childbirth) that I ever went thru. Martha was very brave to have pictures taken.
Posted by: Lorr | January 20th, 2011 at 12:29 am
martha,
you are a real trooper-I could only have imagined what you had to go through! Did you offer your pain for conversions? I, too, am Catholic,
and what you suffered certainly helped a lot of souls. Ann
Posted by: annpauley | January 20th, 2011 at 12:37 am
Hi Martha. I love the photos but not more than you.
Posted by: Herman Hermit | January 20th, 2011 at 12:48 am
oh My this is going to cause a big stir again... but I am gladd that everything worked out well!
Dan Viger
Hollis Center, Maine.
Posted by: Dan Viger | January 20th, 2011 at 12:53 am
i enjoyed seeing all of the winter scenes around your homes. very very pretty...i am sure your lip was very sore and sensitive..one thing i noticed you and sharky will have scars in the same places....as you know they say you and your dogs look alike after time..
Posted by: janelyn johnson | January 20th, 2011 at 12:54 am
You looked great today on the show! I give you so much credit for posting all these photos - you are really baring it all. Thank you for sharing! Continued good wishes for a full recovery.
Posted by: Alesya | January 20th, 2011 at 1:06 am
Hi Martha, WOW, this was an amazing blog post about your 9 stitches being removed. I found it kind of difficult to proceed through these photos and felt kind of queezie until that great nurse, Nousha, finally finished the procedure and you looked more relaxed and comfortable. I could actually almost feel your pain and I wish I could have been there to hold your hand or do what ever it would take to help you deal with that pain a bit easier. Be sure to thank Kevin for doing such a great job photographing this latest procedure. He is one special, great guy! Dr. Imber sure looks like a nice doctor! Loved your TV Show again today! Loved the idea of being a reMarthable person! Can't wait to see your oldest brother Eric on your TV Show Friday! Have another great day and stay warm! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | January 20th, 2011 at 1:07 am
Wow. The skin has healed so well and so fast! Soon it'll all be fine.
Posted by: Karen Neuman | January 20th, 2011 at 1:50 am
Good morning Martha, I am so happy that you are healing quite nicely, you look wonderful and so pretty. Looks like the Dr done a great job. Wish you good health and great success.
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | January 20th, 2011 at 1:59 am
I think you forgot to update your January planning calendar to include "doggie head-butt stitches removal."
What steady hands Nurse Nousha had especially being photographed by Kevin. I bet Dr. Imber had an emergency design team on speed dial to make sure his office was in tip top shape. 
You look beautiful Martha, scabby lips and all!
Posted by: Sonya | January 20th, 2011 at 2:10 am
oh good finaly i hope you will never have to go through this again i wish you good health. Take care
Posted by: lana sajajaj | January 20th, 2011 at 2:31 am
Thank you..really informative!!
Posted by: softstars | January 20th, 2011 at 2:38 am
Brave Martha! I could feel those stitches being removed. Everyone knows that lips are sensitive. Glad you are recovering.
Posted by: Christian / @vfbr2001 | January 20th, 2011 at 3:17 am
Looks Great Martha!!! You are so beautiful!!!!
Posted by: Richard Taylor | January 20th, 2011 at 4:25 am
My cat, Sunshine, in the middle of the night, I am sound asleep when he was freaked out by something! Well, Sunshine was on my head which meant that Sunshine's claws were on my face and I got a huge cat stratch from my upper lip to my nose!
A bloody mess! No stitches but a scar- which I used Derma Cream and it worked! I have a very light mark as a loving reminder of my dear cat Sunshine. Wishing you the best and as you know all is well.
Posted by: Bridget | January 20th, 2011 at 4:51 am
Wow! You are so brave to show all those pictures! I am glad the stitches came off. I hope you heal well!
Posted by: Natalie | January 20th, 2011 at 4:53 am
As a young teenager I twice had stitches in my face and having the stitches removed is very disconcerting. Just reading your story brought back the memories. Hopefully your face will still be as lovely. I love reading your blog. My children tease me about "Auntie Martha".
Posted by: Viven Clark | January 20th, 2011 at 5:45 am
Who knows when any of us will need work done. Thanks for these photos showing us medical procedure that is ver common and glad Kevin was there to take pictures.
Posted by: ann | January 20th, 2011 at 6:21 am
Wow! That was more difficult to see than the first experience...who knows why? How is Francesca holding up? Good healthcare for all! I am so glad that you are ok. Be careful....enjoying the January Whole Living Action Plan...
Posted by: Teresa Touey | January 20th, 2011 at 6:41 am
Glad to see all is healing well! Follow your doctor's advice and all will go nicely!
Posted by: Cathy | January 20th, 2011 at 6:49 am
Excellent stitching, Martha! The scar will fade before you know it and all will be back to normal on your lip...LOL
Francesca feels terrible about the whole mishap. I'm glad that it's a happy ending!
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport, ME | January 20th, 2011 at 7:51 am
Martha,
what a relief to get that over, did you get advised to use vitamin e oil at all, you certainly do not need "any work" as they say, you have very beautiful skin, must be your good diet.
Did you have a good talk to Francesca yet?
Best wishes and thanks for those magnificent snow pictures.
Posted by: Grace | January 20th, 2011 at 8:05 am
I am so glad that it all worked out ok Martha. Look out for that puppy next time!
Posted by: Dennis Bullock | January 20th, 2011 at 9:54 am
Hi Martha,
Looking good - by next week you should be ready for your camera close-ups. Ouch, I could almost feel those stitches coming out. We all know how sensitive our lips are! Anyway, I give the nurse a lot of credit for having a steady hand considering a camera was hovering over her shoulder. (Nice pictures Kevin!) Nurses are very special people - they work so hard. I couldn't believe all the things they had to do in the hospital when my sister was in there. Well, it's almost time for the show and Oscar de la Renta so bye for now and enjoy your day. Trish
Posted by: Trish | January 20th, 2011 at 10:47 am
wow martha you did a great job. they say no blood means a good Dr. now you must go back home for just today & do something new to you. just this morning our outside dog Pickle knocked me down in the snow to say good morning. i was going for the newpaper. they just love us so much they cant help themselves. chica our inside dog shoved me into the bathroom door last tuesday & i dropped a glass. be strong & safe.
Posted by: barb | January 20th, 2011 at 11:12 am
Glad it's healing well. How painful that must have been! Can you please post what eye shadow you are wearing? And please do no major work!!! Please! You do not need it!
Posted by: Melanie | January 20th, 2011 at 11:32 am
Oh, my--you poor thing. Stitches are my least favorite adventure--but you did so well! Thanks for the pictures. They are so interesting.
Posted by: Launi | January 20th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Oh my. My heart wrenched at seeing the discomfort on your face. Especially when it was more like pain. I'll be praying for a quick heal with no scar on that lovely smile.
Posted by: Deborah | January 20th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
It would have been fun to hear the commentary going on while the stitches were pulled. Maybe Kevin was told to be silent so the nurse would not lose her steady hand.
Good job guys!
My incision was staples and now the leg looks like a centipede walked across it.
Posted by: Margie | January 20th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
Martha...i would be a little squeamish, too. The lip is such a sensitive area. I think your surgeons did a superb job! You even looked pretty with stitches and all!
Posted by: sherey | January 20th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
Martha...i would be a little squeamish, too. The lip is such a sensitive area. I think your surgeons did a superb job! You even looked pretty in stitches.
Posted by: sherey | January 20th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
,,,you're brave,,,never had stitches thank god!,,,funny that you described the doctor's office as being "beautiful", never thought of a doctor office as "beautiful", though triple love any medical office that is sleek, contemporary, a little modern and rid of stuff not necessary to the business,,,love the martha-ism,,,wonder if the doctor who has the horrible wallpaper will now renovate and update his office,,,let's hope you gave the doctor the gentle nudge necessary for him to initiate the project,,,(smile)
Posted by: rebecca | January 20th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Awesome pics! Thanks for sharing your ordeal. As always, you look fab...even "under the knife!"
Posted by: Pat | January 20th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
this is going to cause a big stir again... but I am gladd that everything worked out well!
Posted by: cazare bacau | January 20th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Brava Martha! Way to be so brave, to go through this ordeal and to share it with your adoring public. You're awesome!
Posted by: carli | January 20th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Martha, you are so brave, I had stitches removed from my back this week and it pinched and pulled, I couldn't imagine having stitches removed from such a sensitive area as the lip.
Thanks for sharing your day-to-day with us, I always enjoy reading your blog. And thanks, Kevin, for taking the photos.
Posted by: Jane | January 20th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
Wow Martha,
I was sitting in the front row, right in front of Susan Solomon at the DID event later the same day - super close to you, and couldn't even tell you had steri-strips in! Thats amazing and you looked great! Enjoyed the talk too. Thank for you keeping your commitment to us and attending, even after a long and trying day.
Posted by: Annette Frey | January 20th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
You look beautiful as always! So happy for you. You'll be even more gorgeous in a few days.
Hugs!
Posted by: Dayami | January 20th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
Glad to know you are mending well. I loved the piece from CNN, humour can be the best medicine. Martha, I love how you take the time to acknowledge those who are helping you, it must make them feel really good. A beautiful day here in Victoria, my daffodils are just starting to bloom in the front yard. Bye for now, out to the garden I go.
Posted by: Glen Nyhus | January 20th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
Martha-
I am a Interior Designer in Denver, CO. My business partner and I just love your furniture line and ordered it often. We have recently learned that your line is no longer with Bernhardt. Will you continue to have a furniture line? We sure hope so!
Katie
Posted by: Katie Schroder | January 20th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
Martha, I have always loved your show and the wonderful places and people you talked to. After you re-vamped your show I have to admit I was a little disappointed as I loved your old format but not so much the new one. Interviewing celebrities was not your strongest thing and I personally don't care what they think. But now I watch and love the places and people you talk to and especially your cooking and the places that show us how things are made, etc. Keep up the great format. Sharon
Posted by: Sharon Visser | January 20th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
I work for a company in Washington State that sells a product called Scarfade. I does not mean that you didn't have a wonderful surgeon but it will help the scar to heal properly reducing color and keloid tissue. The website is http://www.scarfade.com. We would be more than glad to send you a sample if you email me an address of where to send it. It is used all over the world and I think you would really like it. I am at work now listening to Martha on XM radio! Huge fan!.
Hope all is well,
Tracy Hatch
Posted by: Tracy Hatch | January 20th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Well, that healed pretty quick. These are very close up pictures and I must say, you really do have a beautiful complexion. I got a close look at your eye makeup, which I thought was very nice. Would love to know what skin care you use.
That sounds kind of selfish after all you went through, sorry about that. I am sure you will heal beautifully! Sorry for that cringing pain! Such a tender spot!
Posted by: Fran | January 20th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Looks dreadful.I saw them stitch you up and saw them take them out.Made me a little queasy both times.Glad you are ok.
Posted by: Tammy VanDeman | January 20th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
We never know what is around the corner, but you always find a way to provide information to us and share moments of life in a dignified manor. Your lip repair looks beautiful. What a doctor! Best wishes!
Vicki
Posted by: Vicki | January 20th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
I love how brave AND how open you are Martha. Having been head-butted like that a time or two by my cats, and also, having had stitches on my chin once, as a child (but without benefit of the world-class plastic surgeons, I do have to say), I empathize with you. It makes it a lot more fun reading your blog and mags, when we have windows into mishaps that all of us can relate to. Heal fully and quickly!
Posted by: Linda S | January 20th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
You are so brave, I would never let cameras in the room. Maybe because I would be crying. You look great.
Posted by: kathy hamlett | January 20th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Try Aquafore on your wound area. Recent facial surgery gave me this hint and it is excellent for stiches. Promotes healing and lubricates. Use 3 to 4times daily. Good luck.
Sheila
Posted by: Sheila Davies | January 20th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Thank you for sharing, Martha and to Kevin for taking such excellent photos. It is so fascinating, and I could "feel your pain" just looking at the expressions on your face. Interesting comment from a reader above about "offering up your pain for the sake of others." I was raised Catholic and had forgotten this message, but after googling it, it certainly makes sense that sometimes our pain is part of a journey. You are beautiful, so matter what! Oscar was great today, BTW!
Posted by: Marybeth | January 20th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
Hi Martha,
I also know from experience that removing can be more painful than getting stitches. Good luck and glad you are feeling better and looking no worse for the experience! I admire your strength.
Posted by: Chef Bee | January 20th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
hi, i have also had several sets of stitches in the past, knee replacement..29 staples, time of removal i had no idea that they would hurt and sting something awful but i lived through it, so i can understand what you went through. now i have a different request for you martha, i know you are rich and dont need my few bucks, but i received your martha stewart living magazine which i did not ordered nor read, never got a bill nor anything stating i were going to get this magazine, i am not overly fond of martha stewart and i would like you go go to the top and stop the order you can get back with me through my email address surly i hope this in not the way you got rich by forcing the public to buy your products so being that you are boss i hope you can fix this i am not a magazine person,........thanks
Posted by: tony | January 20th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
Hi Martha,
Oh those Frenchies!!
I have to tell you that I have the most amazing Frenchie named Mia and I have you to thank. I have wanted one for years after seeing yours on your show. My dream came true two weeks before my 31st birthday and she is just as amazing as I had dreamer she would be.
Now on the flip side she has a very hard head and tends to throw her head back as a response to everything from happiness to fear, so I understand how this could happen.
In the end I am sure your little frenchie girl felt very bad and they are so hard to stay mad at!!
Heal well and thank you for helping me find this amazing breed it has truly enriched my life.
Posted by: Joy | January 20th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
You are one VERY BRAVE woman! Congratulations, Martha.
Posted by: Brenda Knowlton | January 20th, 2011 at 7:58 pm
So glad that is over. My husband just had 9 stitches removed from his face also. (skin cancer). He looks good, no scars. Hope you do as well.
Posted by: shirley | January 20th, 2011 at 8:28 pm
Boy am I glad to see your post on your blog! When you didn't post I was worried an infection had set in or something. Sure glad your stitches are out and you're healing nicely. I can stop worrying now!
Posted by: Judy R | January 20th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
What "work" have you received? You look great! I cannot believe you will be 70 this year.
Posted by: Sean in Seattle | January 20th, 2011 at 8:57 pm
Martha - I am sure that you are glad to have this behind you and the area looks like it will heal nicely! Thank you for sharing your photos. We all go through these odd little accidental injuries and feel for your ordeal!
Posted by: Sandy Bonagura | January 20th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
I have recently adopted an excitable, year old, 115 pound Bloodhound and I can tell you headbutts from a gentle giant are quite a memorable experience. Having done Basset rescues for a quarter century, I had never thought about headbutts and *saw stars* the first time big Henry and I bumped noggins. Needless to say, I try to stay on guard during playtime. On the bright side, Martha, scars make for good stories!
Posted by: Faye | January 20th, 2011 at 9:09 pm
A tip for the future! With stitches that have stayed in too long, soaking the effected area in Peroxide can help loosen the scabbing and release them easily before stitches are pulled.
Posted by: Little Martha (My Mother and Grandmother are Martha's as well) | January 20th, 2011 at 9:10 pm
Wow, this was nice to share, sorry you had such an ordeal with this!!! I do have to say that I am much more appreciate of watching so that my dogs don't do this to me!!! Thank you for sharing and hope you are back to smiling very soon because you have such a great smile!!!
Posted by: Amanda | January 20th, 2011 at 9:12 pm
I'm a nurse as well... I would've been so nervous to work on one of my favorites though! So I applaud Nousha. My 9 year old son came in early from school due to snow and saw I had your show on and he asked, "What happened to Martha?"... he was concerned. Glad you're doing well. Thanks for sharing your pics.
Posted by: Jenna | January 20th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Thorough. You're healing well Martha.
Posted by: Audrey | January 20th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
Martha, I'm so impressed at how open you are about this. Close-ups of cut lips aren't on the usual top 10 photo ops of any celebrity I've seen. That could have been any one of us. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Laura | January 20th, 2011 at 9:34 pm
Oh my! It looks very scary and painful!
Posted by: EFT for Anxiety | January 20th, 2011 at 9:36 pm
Stay strong Martha! Love you girl.
Posted by: Toni | January 20th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
Whoa!!!! Glad that is over with for you. It had to hurt. You look gorgeous as ever.
Thanks for sharing all the pics.
Posted by: Lynn | January 20th, 2011 at 10:27 pm
Qué buen médico, ahí no te va a quedar nada, felicidades y que estés siempre bien. Vivian
Posted by: Vivian Bakit | January 20th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
Well the "ROUGH STUFF" is over and you look great!
My poor husband had to have stitches (15 of them) on a straightline cut. The Dr. who performed the stitching, we discovered later, had been on duty nearly 20 hours. He was extremely tired and did a terrible job. The scar was awful. Thank goodness you were not at the hands of such an overworked and exhausted Dr., or at a facility where such conditions are allowed.
Stay well, watch out for quick moving doggies and take care
Continue healing beautifully Martha. You were so fortunate to be in such fine hands.
Posted by: Becky K. | January 20th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
Ouch!!! The doctor did do a nice job. That must have itched. Glad you are healing nicely.
Posted by: Theresa | January 20th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
I sure don't want to bump into Francesca in the dark! That would have been a good look for Halloween. Ha ha ha.
While jogging a few years back my dog cut in front of me. I of course fell flat on my face. Well, not my face. Long story short I had shoulder surgery.
Hope everything goes well for you.
Posted by: Nana | January 20th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
Martha,
You are amazing. To do a show, get the stitches out, do another show and then come and do a program that was so meaningful and fantastic with your Dreamers Into Doers was amazing. Thank you.
Posted by: Peggy Gaffney | January 20th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
Glad to see your docs made a wonderful work! And glad to see that you are recovering. Take care Martha.
Posted by: FunkySteph | January 21st, 2011 at 6:18 am
So glad to know you're on the mend, Martha!
Posted by: Mary | January 21st, 2011 at 7:01 am
The nurse looks like she's about 15 yrs old!
Posted by: Jan | January 21st, 2011 at 11:52 am
Thanks for sharing this with us, Martha. You set a wonderful standard for dealing with things. I am so grateful for you.
Suzann
Lipsticks Without Toxins
from
Makeup Without Cruelty
Posted by: Suzann | January 21st, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Welcome back! Can't wait for more good things!
Posted by: BakerMan | January 21st, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Dearest Martha,
What a brave soul you are. Even through your pain, you continue to teach us. I almost had a accident with a sleeping cat, but I remembered your story and saved myself a nasty wound. Wish you didn't have to suffer for us to learn! By the way, I found a new use for your doggie training pads and holder. It is perfect under my old cat's litterbox, as it catches her "misses". Also, the idea from Franny and Sharkey's blog that your doggie toy holder can double as a cat bed is wonderful. Keep up all your good work. We need you!
Posted by: Lee | January 21st, 2011 at 7:40 pm
Dear Martha,
I know this is the most painful time of your whole experience. I had stitches removed from my thumb and I thought I was going to pass out. You were very brave and seemed to come though it well.
I felt so sorry for you hearing that you had recieved such a gash in your upper lip. I'm happy to hear that the worst of it is all over now.
My frual cat bit me once on my lower arm and I know how very much that hurt. I know she didn't mean to be spiteful to me, after all she's just an animal and doesn't think that way. It's just one of those things that happen and you just have to be aware that accidents like this do happen with your pets occasionally.
Well, I'm so happy for you that you are healing and doing much better,
Take care,
Best regards,
Judy Oliveira
Posted by: Judy Oliveira | January 22nd, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Martha you are such a trooper. What a blow your little dog gave to you! It looks like you are going to heal without any sign of a scar. Great doctor. Best of luck to you!!!
Posted by: Libbygirl | January 22nd, 2011 at 6:52 pm
Martha, you are truly a saint!! Francesca probably had a headache too!! I am glad to see you are doing great!GinDobre!!
Posted by: Noreen Rak | January 22nd, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Oh, my. I was wincing in sympathy while looking at your amazing photos. I am surprised the doctor didn't take out the stitches himself.....I am sure the nurse was very skilled, but I am still surprised the doctor didn't do it. Hope you are all healed soon. Very interesting pictures. Thx for posting them. A wise decision to keep everyone informed from the onset.
Posted by: Betty Smith | January 22nd, 2011 at 11:13 pm
I'm so glad you could work it out to have the stitches removed and everything looks fine again. Thanks for keeping everyone informed on your progress. We all love you Martha!
Posted by: Paula Jo @ Outdoor Garden Decorations | January 23rd, 2011 at 3:53 pm
Looked painful. Why not have the mole removed?
Posted by: Sue dwyer | January 23rd, 2011 at 6:51 pm
I know the pain and fear first hand, i had 6 stiches in my bottom lip,may07".The emergency room doctor did a great job,hardly any scar. would love to send you a pic of me with the stiches and a pic of my dog that bit me.He was a baby and had been abused before we got him.He is still scedish with people and moody.
Posted by: sandy pruitt | January 23rd, 2011 at 11:59 pm
Martha - so glad you are healing well and this soon will become a distant memory. I just wanted to congratulate Kevin on being able to be there and take photos. I could barely look at two of them - then I felt sick. A nurse I'll never be.
Posted by: Cheryl | January 24th, 2011 at 12:33 am
Ouch! You are so brave. I honestly hurt as I looked at your photos. You are so gorgeous!! xoxo
Posted by: Preppy 101 | January 24th, 2011 at 1:32 am
Wondered what happened to u saw ur lip last week ,but missed some shows . Glad u r coming along well .Seeing the stitches remove gave me chills . Love the show .
Posted by: gerri walsh | January 24th, 2011 at 8:34 am
Martha,
Having had stitches placed and removed from my upper lipline up to my nose more than once, due to Mohs procedures for Basal Cell Carcinoma, I know exactly how you feel. That particular lip area is very difficult and extremely sensitive, especially when undergoing cauterization right under your nose! I agree that we must be very thankful to our physicians and their staff. Wishing you full healing!
Posted by: Pamela Stump | January 24th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
I am surprised that your stiches weren't presoaked with peroxide to soften them first. It would have eliminated any pain and made the process gentler and without much discomfort.
Also, remember to keep Aquaphor close at hand to moisturize and protect your lips against this cold weather and to help your healing process.
Be well!
Posted by: Bridget Sciales | January 24th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Ouch, I could feel your pain! I am so sorry for your discomfort. Thank you, though, for sharing this as a learning opportunity for us. I also want to say thank you for sharing information about
your hip procedure. It was helpful and encouraging to me, and I had mine last March! It's so great!
I love the photos of your farm and Skylands...beautiful. Our son says he has had to move their chickens into the basement due to the cold in Seal Harbor, lol. Katie and Sarah have been keeping them company. Gentle hugs and all good wishes, Dear Martha. Debbie from Orono
Posted by: Debbie | January 24th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Ouchie!!! I know it pinches like heck and you look so miserable that I couldn't look any further. Pat your doggie and put on some very soft lip gloss. You look wonderful and now you can smile!!! All the best to you and your poor little lip! And poor little Franchesca! I bet she feels bad, too! So sorry!
Posted by: Marcy hammerstein | January 25th, 2011 at 1:53 am
Martha, I cannot understand why they couldn't soften the stitches first with peroxide or at least run a little Lidocaine cream along those sensitive areas before removing the stitches. You are an amazingly strong person. Judging by the excellent result that can already been seen, you will have no scarring at all. Dr. Nolan is an incredible surgeon! Now, if you don't mind me asking...how do you retain such a tight jawline and have such superb skin? You've shared so much with us, I hope you might be willing to share some of your beauty treatment secrets similar to what Alexis and Jennifer shared awhile back. Sending you best wishes for your continued healing and a full recovery.
Posted by: kate | January 25th, 2011 at 6:59 am
Martha, You are a very brave soul. Having stitches removed anywhere is painful, but I would think it especially painful on the upper lip. Hopefully, you and Francesca have put this behind you. I love you for who you are- everything up front with no pretense. You are in a class by yourself, and those with wealth, beauty and power should all follow your lead.
Posted by: PAWS | January 26th, 2011 at 11:32 am
Martha, I saw your segment on the Today Show with Matt and Meredith. You're healing nicely. The split lip is hardly noticeable. Best wishes for a non-scarring healing.
Posted by: Miranda | January 30th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
I feel terrible you had to go through that.....poor dear. Good grief, what next? Nothing bad we hope. You are very brave Martha, that looked a little rough, but all who have followed you for years, as I have, know what a brave,smart and resilient woman you are. You always set great expample for us. Thank you and no more head butts....
Posted by: Caroline Emerson | February 7th, 2011 at 1:10 am
Martha, I can't believe it has been a whole year, minus 19 days, since you had this done. Time sure flies when you're having fun, and...when you're not.
I hope it is no longer a bother, and that you're doing well.
I also hope you had a very nice New Year!!
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | January 2nd, 2012 at 12:44 am
Martha,
You are such a trooper! I would have cried! I am sure glad this is behind you now. Thanks for sharing this again.
Posted by: KLBrown | January 2nd, 2012 at 12:59 am
Martha, it's amazing you haven't had any "serious work done" by Dr. Imber, your skin looks so beautiful! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Cindy F | January 2nd, 2012 at 9:36 am
My Dear Martha, You are absolutely remarkable and the way you handle everything you do is superior! Having that painful split lip stitched and then having those stitches removed without anesthetics was incredible and sharing those photos was very thoughtful of you! I could feel the pain because these photos remind me of having stitches removed from my broken ankle way back in the 1980s. So happy to see that the pain is gone and there are no scars and Francesca is back to her normal behavior! Special thank yous to Dr. Nolan and his nurse, Dr. Imber and his nurse, and Kevin, Betsy, Mike, Carlos, and Alexis for helping all of this horrible pain go away! You look more beautiful and sound very enthusiastic every time I see you on TV, follow you on Twitter, and hear you on Sirius 110! How fun to be in St. Barths! Have a great day and safe trip home! Happy New Year! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | January 2nd, 2012 at 10:09 am
This may not be the right place to post this but wanted to get it to you. I just wanted to say i had watched a previous show of yours and you were talking about how important it is to save handwritten letters from your loved ones. My Mom and Dad gave me a scrabble game today. This is what I posted on facebook. I saw my Nana's handwriting today on a game score card where Papa and Nana played a game of scrabble. Made me cry. It brought back so many memories of getting together at their house in tulsa with everyone in our "family". Everyone played scrabble, cards, dice, monopoly, all sorts of games. Can even remember the sound of the dice hitting the table and watching them deal the cards and thinking they're fast! Even remembered the glasses they always had their drinks in, and coffee coffee coffeeeeee, going to the sink to get a drink of water, getting something out of the fridge and heating it up in the microwave, the lazy susan in the cabinet left of the sink, tons of coffee cups, shot glasses and plates from different places, a big console tv in the living room, long coffee table with a wagon sitting on the end table and the biggest comfortable chair i used to love to sit in and it would spin around so you could talk to everyone in the dining room or turn the other way and watch tv thought that was so neat when i was little, the big huge dog i think his name was Fritz that would growl at you if you ever got cigarette smoke around him, remembered playing with all my cousins and Aunt Carol, Uncle Dennis and Uncle Bill, and Amos outside chasing each other around the yard, blowing bubbles, hide and seek, and just hanging out by the cars talking, and inside playing on the coffee table and games in the floor and watching tv together, taking naps, and everyone was always talking and visiting and telling jokes, smiling and laughing and seemed so cheerful. Remembered my Papa's wonderful giggles he always did, loved to hear and see him giggling! I remember thinking God i have the best family in the world! And it cant get any better than this. Remember later on when i was older he took me fishing at the dock, teaching me to bait my own hook, watching the big catfish coming up to bite the hook and getting so excited, showed me how to clean catfish and bass and pirch, and if my fishing pole ever got messed up or couldnt get the fish off the hook he always pulled his pocket knife out of his pocket and cut the line for me then said ok now restring the hook, out on the boat with everyone taking turns and getting in the water to swim and him telling someone to get away from a certain spot in the lake cause it wasnt safe and we always had life jackets, his rule, and he always told all of us girls eating catfish makes you beautiful! And on the way home he would always tease me and say look at that ranch, those are the guys that have all the money the ones with the horses, how about i just pull up and drop you off at the front door and you go get yourself a good man that will take care of you. I would crack up! Then i got in the car tonight and heard Randy Travis singing the end of this song ... And I loved him and he loved me and Lord I cried the day he died 'cause I thought he walked on water! Love my Papa and Nana and sure do miss them all the time! And its amazing how a silly game card and handwriting can trigger all those memories huh? Thanks for so many wonderful shows! I sure hope Martha Stewart gets to read this so she can see how simple little things on her show move people so much. Thank you!! Love Elaine (Laney) Brown, Tulsa, OK
Posted by: Elaine (Laney) Brown | January 2nd, 2012 at 10:24 pm
Golly, Martha - you look so beautiful, even with a gash in your lip! I'm sure there soon won't even be a scar. Naughty puppy dog.
Posted by: Tania McCartney | January 3rd, 2012 at 1:58 am
Hi Martha, First I am sorry about your split lip but glad it looks like it will heal without any scar. I am writing because I am really sad you are losing your TV show but to tell you the truth I didn't really like the style of it. In a studio with an audience seemed somewhat sterile. I personally liked when you filmed from your home, Turkey Hill, and showed how to do the domestic things like planting a whiskey barrel with flowers, or organizing a pantry or linen closet. Those are your wonderful talents and I loved trying to copy your organizational skills. I wasn't always successful but still it was fun to watch. I think filming from your home was warm and personable and I wish you would consider doing that again. You were in your element there. And watching you at home made me feel like I was a neighbor dropping by for a visit.
Posted by: Carol Schnitter | January 5th, 2012 at 12:05 am
Martha, your skin is amazing. You look absolutely fabulous! The cut looks as if it is healing well, and should only leave a slight mark if any. If it does it can only give even more character to an already beautiful face. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Stephanie Brandhoff | January 5th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Hello Martha,
Looking at that made me a bit sick, only because I was thinking of earlier this fall when I had my staples removed from the c-section from giving birth to my baby girl Tiri. I'm glad you are better though, I have been a fan since I was tiny. I'm 22, and some of my earliest memories are of being excited that the channel your show was on was coming in clearly so we could watch. (We lived out in the country and the signals weren't always that reliable!)I hope you have a great day!!
Rachel
Posted by: Rachel | January 5th, 2012 at 9:51 pm
I'm so glad you're going to look as gorgeous as ever. It was great to follow your ordeal and commend you on continuing your busy schedule despite not looking up to snuff. Being a dog lover and having dogs of my own I can relate to your experience having endoured head bumps several times that had me seeing my long lost relatives up close and personal. Luckily (so far) I didn't have to make any emergency trips to the ER. Gotta love the pooches - BTW how is Franchesca doing??
Posted by: Marlene | January 9th, 2012 at 9:29 am
Martha,I wanted to give you an idea that sounds strange...me giving you an idea...could your team come up with body pillow covers with the zipper installed along the length rather than at the end. My daughter (48)who is recovering from breast surgery tried to change the pillow covers and could not extend her arms far enough to get the pillow all the way to the end of the cover. If the zipper were on the length she could place the pillow into it much like a sleeping bag and zip it up. Thanks for considering this. We really love your show and get many ideas and recipes. Julie
Posted by: Julie Gandy | January 17th, 2012 at 3:28 pm