Dissolvable stitches, also known as absorbable sutures, are used to close wounds and surgical incisions. Designed to be broken down and absorbed by the body over time, they eliminate the need for manual removal. While their convenience might lead some to consider cutting them if they become visible or bothersome, it is generally not recommended due to potential complications. This article explains why attempting to cut them yourself can be dangerous.
Understanding Dissolvable Stitches
Dissolvable stitches are made from materials the body’s natural processes can gradually break down and absorb. These include synthetic polymers like polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), polydioxanone (PDS), and polyglyconate, or natural materials like purified catgut, derived from animal intestines. Material choice depends on the wound’s type and depth, the surgical procedure, and the desired absorption rate.
Dissolution occurs through hydrolysis for synthetic materials, where water breaks down polymer chains, or through enzymatic degradation for natural materials. The timeline for stitches to dissolve varies significantly, from a few weeks to several months, depending on the material, wound location, and individual healing. For example, stitches after wisdom tooth removal might dissolve within weeks, while those from orthopedic surgeries could take up to six months.
Why Cutting Dissolvable Stitches is Dangerous
Attempting to cut dissolvable stitches yourself can lead to severe complications, compromising the healing process and potentially requiring further medical intervention. A significant risk is the introduction of bacteria into the wound. Unsterilized tools or hands can transfer microorganisms, leading to an infection that can manifest as redness, swelling, increased pain, or pus. Such infections can delay healing and, if left untreated, may spread and cause more serious conditions like cellulitis or sepsis.
Prematurely cutting stitches also disrupts wound healing. Dissolvable stitches hold wound edges together during critical initial tissue regeneration. Removing them too soon can cause the wound to reopen (dehiscence), significantly increasing scarring and complications. This disruption can result in a wider, more noticeable scar.
There is also a risk of bleeding if stitches support fragile, newly formed tissue. Cutting into the wound area can damage delicate capillaries and blood vessels, leading to renewed bleeding. If stitch material is cut but not fully removed, fragments might be left behind, causing irritation or preventing proper dissolution. Patients generally lack the medical expertise and sterile environment necessary to assess the wound’s readiness for any form of stitch removal.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While dissolvable stitches are designed to disappear on their own, there are situations where contacting a healthcare professional is necessary. If you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth around the wound, persistent or worsening pain, or any yellow or green drainage, you should seek medical attention promptly. These symptoms indicate that the wound may be infected and require assessment and possibly antibiotics.
Contact your doctor if stitches are not dissolving as expected, cause significant discomfort, or protrude noticeably, causing irritation. If wound edges separate or excessive bleeding occurs, seek medical advice immediately. A healthcare professional can assess the wound, address complications, and determine the appropriate course, which might involve safely trimming a protruding stitch or managing an infection.