How Long Does it Take for a Stitch to Dissolve?
Types of Stitches That Dissolve
There are two main types of stitches used in medical procedures: absorbable and non-absorbable. Absorbable stitches, also known as dissolvable stitches, are made of materials that break down naturally in the body over time, whereas non-absorbable stitches need to be removed by a healthcare professional.
There are different types of absorbable stitches available, including:
Catgut: made from the intestines of sheep or goats, catgut stitches are absorbable and used primarily for internal surgical procedures.
Polyglycolic acid (PGA): synthetic absorbable sutures that dissolve within 60 to 90 days. They are commonly used for deep tissue wounds and are known for their strength and reliability.
Polylactic acid (PLA): another synthetic absorbable suture, PLA dissolves within 6 to 12 months and is often used for plastic surgery procedures.
Polydioxanone (PDS): a synthetic absorbable suture that takes around six months to dissolve. PDS is commonly used in cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeries.
Vicryl: a synthetic absorbable suture that dissolves within 10 to 14 days. It is often used for soft tissue wounds and is known for its strength and flexibility.
The type of stitch used will depend on the type and location of the wound, as well as the individual’s medical history and the surgeon’s preference. It is important to follow the care instructions provided by the healthcare professional to ensure proper healing and prevent infection.
Factors Affecting the Dissolving Time of Stitches
The time it takes for dissolvable stitches to dissolve can vary depending on several factors, including the type of stitch used, the location of the wound, and the individual’s healing process.
Some factors that can affect the dissolving time of stitches include:
Type of stitch: As mentioned earlier, there are different types of absorbable stitches that dissolve at different rates. The specific type of stitch used in a procedure will determine how long it takes to dissolve.
Location of the wound: The location of the wound can also affect the dissolving time of stitches. Wounds in areas with more movement or friction, such as the hands or feet, may take longer to dissolve than wounds in areas with less movement.
Individual’s healing process: Every person’s body is unique, and their healing process may be faster or slower than average. This can affect how long it takes for the stitches to dissolve.
Presence of infection: Infections can slow down the healing process and may cause the stitches to take longer to dissolve.
It is important to follow the care instructions provided by the healthcare professional to ensure proper healing and prevent infection. If there are concerns about the dissolving time of stitches, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional.
What Happens if the Stitches Don’t Dissolve?
If dissolvable stitches do not dissolve on their own, it may indicate an issue with the healing process or the type of stitch used. In some cases, a healthcare professional may need to remove the stitches manually to prevent complications.
Some reasons why dissolvable stitches may not dissolve properly include:
Infection: An infection in the wound can slow down the healing process and prevent the stitches from dissolving.
Poor blood flow: Stitches may not dissolve properly if there is not enough blood flow to the wound area.
Type of stitch: In some cases, the type of stitch used may not be suitable for the wound or the individual’s body, which can cause them to not dissolve properly.
Foreign objects: If there are foreign objects in the wound area, such as dirt or debris, this can interfere with the healing process and prevent the stitches from dissolving.
It is important to monitor the healing process and seek medical attention if there are any concerns about the stitches not dissolving properly. A healthcare professional may need to remove the stitches manually to prevent complications such as infection or scarring.
How to Care for Dissolvable Stitches
Proper care of dissolvable stitches is essential to ensure proper healing and prevent infection. The following are some general care instructions for dissolvable stitches:
Keep the wound clean and dry: It is important to keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infection. Avoid soaking the wound in water or exposing it to excessive moisture.
Avoid physical activity: Avoid physical activity or any activity that may cause the wound to reopen or stretch the skin.
Do not pick at the stitches: Do not touch or pick at the stitches, as this can cause them to break or delay the healing process.
Follow the healthcare professional’s instructions: Follow the care instructions provided by the healthcare professional, including any medication or dressings prescribed.
Monitor for signs of infection: Monitor the wound for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. If there are concerns about infection, seek medical attention.
It is important to remember that the dissolving time of stitches can vary depending on several factors, including the type of stitch used and the individual’s healing process. If there are concerns about the dissolving time of stitches or any other issues, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional.
When to Remove Non-Dissolvable Stitches
Unlike dissolvable stitches, non-dissolvable stitches need to be removed by a healthcare professional. The timing for removing non-dissolvable stitches will depend on several factors, including the location of the wound, the type of stitch used, and the individual’s healing process.
The following are some general guidelines for when to remove non-dissolvable stitches:
Face and scalp: Stitches on the face and scalp may need to be removed within 5 to 7 days.
Neck, chest, and abdomen: Stitches in these areas may need to be removed within 7 to 10 days.
Arms and legs: Stitches in the arms and legs may need to be removed within 10 to 14 days.
Feet and hands: Stitches in these areas may need to be removed within 14 to 21 days.
It is important to follow the healthcare professional’s instructions for when to have the stitches removed. Leaving the stitches in for too long can increase the risk of infection or scarring. If the stitches have not been removed within the recommended timeframe, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional.
