How Long Do Dissolvable Stitches Take to Dissolve? A Complete Guide

After surgery or an injury, one of the most common questions patients have is about their stitches. If your doctor used dissolvable stitches, also known as absorbable sutures, you might be wondering how long they'll stick around. The answer isn't a single number; it's a timeline that can range from a few days to several months.

This guide synthesizes information from medical experts and patient experiences to provide a comprehensive look at the dissolution process. We'll cover the factors that influence how long it takes, what to expect during healing, proper care techniques, and when you should contact your doctor.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding your wound care.

What Are Dissolvable Stitches?

Dissolvable stitches are medical sutures used to close wounds or surgical incisions. Unlike traditional stitches that require removal by a healthcare professional, these are made from materials that the body can naturally break down and absorb over time.

They are made from various sterile ingredients, including:

• Synthetic Polymers: Materials like polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), and polydioxanone (PDS) are broken down by hydrolysis, a process where water in the body slowly disintegrates the suture material.
• Natural Materials: Some sutures are made from purified animal products like 'catgut' (derived from sheep or cattle intestines).

Doctors often use them for internal wounds or for external closures where a follow-up removal appointment isn't practical or necessary, such as after oral surgery or childbirth.

The General Timeline: How Long Do They Last?

The time it takes for dissolvable stitches to disappear varies widely. While many common stitches dissolve within one to two weeks, some are designed to last for several months to provide extended support for healing tissues.

Here’s a general timeline based on the type of procedure:

Procedure Type	Typical Dissolution Time
Oral Surgery (e.g., Wisdom Teeth)	7 to 14 days, sometimes faster
Childbirth (Perineal Tear)	1 to 2 weeks
C-Section (Abdominal Incision)	Up to 6 weeks
General Skin Laceration	1 to 4 weeks
Joint Replacement (e.g., Knee)	Up to 6 months (for deep, internal sutures)

As you can see, the location and depth of the wound play a huge role. But what really determines the timeline?

!A medical illustration showing a suture in different layers of the skin

Diagram showing a suture passing through the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat. Source: M.Komorniczak, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Key Factors That Influence Dissolution Time

The exact absorption rate of your stitches depends on a combination of factors. Understanding these can help you set realistic expectations for your recovery.

1. Suture Material

The single most important factor is the material of the stitch itself. Surgeons choose a specific type based on how long the tissue needs support to heal.

• Fast-Absorbing (e.g., Vicryl Rapide, Chromic Gut): Designed for areas that heal quickly, like the mouth or face. These can break down in 7 to 14 days.
• Moderate-Absorbing (e.g., Polyglycolic Acid, Vicryl): Common for skin and muscle layers. These typically dissolve over 50 to 90 days.
• Slow-Absorbing (e.g., Polydioxanone - PDS): Used for tissues that heal slowly, like fascia or in orthopedic surgery. These can last for up to 6 months.

2. Surgical Site and Wound Type

The location of your stitches significantly impacts their lifespan.

• Oral Cavity: The moist environment and enzymes in saliva accelerate the breakdown process. Stitches in the mouth often dissolve faster than anywhere else.
• Areas with High Blood Flow: Tissues with a rich blood supply generally heal faster, which can speed up suture absorption.
• Wounds Under Tension: Stitches in areas that move a lot (like over a joint) might be made of stronger, longer-lasting material to prevent the wound from reopening.

3. Individual Patient Health

Your body's unique healing process is a critical factor.

• Age: Healing capabilities can vary with age.
• Overall Health: Conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders can slow wound healing and, consequently, the rate of suture absorption.
• Nutritional Status: Proper nutrition is vital for healing. A lack of essential vitamins and protein can delay recovery.
• Infection: If a wound becomes infected, it can alter the local environment and interfere with the normal breakdown of sutures.

A Guide to the Stages of Suture Dissolution

Knowing what to expect visually and physically can reduce anxiety during the healing process. While every recovery is different, it generally follows these stages.

Stage 1: The Inflammatory Phase (First Week)

• What You'll See: The wound area will be red, swollen, and the stitches will be clearly visible and feel taut. This is a normal part of the body's initial healing response.
• What You'll Feel: Tenderness, mild pain, and a feeling of tightness around the stitches are common.

Stage 2: The Proliferative Phase (Weeks 2-3)

• What You'll See: The redness and swelling will begin to decrease. The wound edges will pull together, and the stitches may start to look looser or partially buried by new tissue.
• What You'll Feel: Itching is a very common and positive sign during this stage, as new skin cells are forming. The initial pain should significantly lessen.

Stage 3: The Maturation Phase (Week 4 and Beyond)

• What You'll See: The stitches will begin to break down noticeably. You may see small pieces fall off, or they may seem to vanish into the healing skin. A scar will be forming, which will gradually flatten and fade over many months.
• What You'll Feel: There should be minimal to no discomfort. Some mild itching may continue as the scar matures.

!A properly healing surgical incision with stitches

Proper wound care is essential for healing and minimizing scarring.

How to Properly Care for Dissolvable Stitches

Following your doctor's instructions is the most important part of your recovery. Here are some general "Do's" and "Don'ts" for caring for your wound.

Do:

• Follow Doctor's Orders: Your surgeon's advice is tailored to your specific procedure.
• Keep it Clean: Gently clean the area as instructed, typically with mild soap and water.
• Keep it Dry: After cleaning or showering, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. A moist environment can encourage bacterial growth.
• Change Dressings: If you have a dressing, change it as frequently as your doctor recommends.
• Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your wound.

Don't:

• Don't Soak the Wound: Avoid baths, hot tubs, and swimming until your doctor says it's safe. Soaking can weaken the healing skin and introduce bacteria.
• Don't Pick or Pull: Never try to pull, cut, or remove the stitches yourself. This can cause the wound to reopen, lead to infection, and worsen scarring.
• Don't Apply Unapproved Products: Avoid applying lotions, creams, or hydrogen peroxide to the wound unless specifically told to do so by your doctor.
• Don't Strain the Area: Avoid strenuous activities that could put tension on the stitches and disrupt the healing process.

Common Concerns and When to See a Doctor

Even with the best care, you may have questions or concerns. Here’s how to handle some common situations.

What Is a "Spitting Suture"?

Sometimes, an internal stitch works its way to the surface and pokes out of the skin before it has fully dissolved. This is called a "spitting suture" and is usually not a cause for alarm. The body is essentially ejecting a foreign material.

What to do: Don't pull on it. Often, it will fall out on its own. Keep the area clean. If it becomes red, painful, or starts to discharge pus, contact your doctor.

What If My Stitches Don't Dissolve?

If the expected time frame your doctor gave you has passed and your stitches are still in place, give them a call. Some people's bodies are slower to break down the material. Your doctor may advise you to wait longer or may have you come in to have the remaining pieces trimmed.

Signs of Infection or Complications

Contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the following signs, which could indicate an infection or other complication:

• Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the wound.
• Worsening or severe pain.
• Pus or a foul-smelling discharge coming from the incision.
• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• The wound edges begin to separate or reopen.
• Bleeding that soaks through a dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my stitches are dissolving?

You'll know your stitches are dissolving as they begin to disappear or fall out. You might find small pieces of the stitch on your clothing or wound dressing. The key sign is that the wound remains closed and is healing properly while the stitches gradually vanish without needing removal.

Can I do anything to make dissolvable stitches dissolve faster?

No, you cannot and should not try to speed up the dissolving process. Dissolvable stitches are designed to break down at a specific rate to ensure your wound heals properly. Interfering with this process by picking at them or applying unapproved substances can lead to infection, wound reopening, and increased scarring. Patience and proper wound care are key.

What should I do if a dissolvable stitch is poking out of my skin?

It's common for a small piece of a dissolvable stitch to poke through the skin before it has fully dissolved. This is often called a 'spitting suture.' Do not pull on it. In most cases, it will fall off on its own. Keep the area clean and dry. If it's causing irritation or you notice signs of infection (like redness, swelling, or pus), contact your healthcare provider.

Is it okay to shower with dissolvable stitches?

In most cases, you can shower 24 to 48 hours after your procedure, but you must follow your doctor's specific instructions. Avoid scrubbing the area directly and gently pat it dry with a clean towel afterward. Soaking the wound in a bath, hot tub, or swimming pool is typically not recommended until the wound is fully healed and your doctor gives you clearance.

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References

• Healthline. (2018). Dissolvable Stitches: How Long They Last, Complications, Removal, Care. https://www.healthline.com/health/dissolvable-stitches
• Medical News Today. (2019). Dissolvable stitches: How long they last, care tips, and removal. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325297
• Cleveland Clinic. Incision & Surgical Wound Care. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15709-incision-care