Dissolvable stitches are a common medical tool used to close wounds and surgical incisions. The duration for their breakdown is not fixed, as it depends on several factors that influence the body’s natural absorption process.
What Are Dissolvable Stitches
Dissolvable stitches, also known as absorbable sutures, are crafted from materials the body can naturally break down and absorb over time. These materials can be natural, like purified catgut derived from animal intestines, or synthetic polymers such as Vicryl and PDS. Unlike traditional stitches that require removal by a healthcare professional, absorbable sutures are designed to integrate into the healing tissue and then vanish.
The dissolution process for synthetic sutures primarily occurs through hydrolysis, where water in the body gradually breaks down their chemical bonds. Natural sutures, on the other hand, are absorbed through enzymatic degradation. This inherent ability to dissolve makes them particularly useful for internal closures, deep wounds, or when follow-up visits for stitch removal are impractical.
Key Factors Affecting Dissolution
The material composition of the suture is a primary determinant; different synthetic polymers and natural materials are engineered to dissolve at varying speeds. For instance, some materials are designed for rapid absorption, while others provide prolonged support to healing tissues.
Suture size also affects dissolution, with thinner stitches generally dissolving faster than thicker ones. The specific location of the stitches within the body significantly impacts their dissolution time. Areas with a rich blood supply or high moisture levels, such as the mouth or genital regions, can accelerate the breakdown process. Conversely, stitches in less mobile areas or those under tension might persist longer.
A person’s overall health, age, nutritional status, and immune response also contribute to how quickly their body absorbs the sutures. Individual healing rates vary. The presence of an infection at the wound site can either speed up or slow down the dissolution of stitches, depending on the type of infection and suture material.
Typical Dissolution Timelines
Dissolution time for stitches varies, ranging from a few days to several months, depending on their type and location. Superficial skin stitches might dissolve within one to three weeks. Some fast-absorbing sutures used in the outermost skin layers are designed to break down in as little as five to seven days.
For stitches placed in the mouth, dissolution typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. The moist environment and enzymatic activity in saliva can contribute to a faster breakdown in this area. Deeper internal stitches generally take much longer to dissolve, often ranging from several weeks to months. For example, sutures like Vicryl typically dissolve within 56 to 70 days, while Polydioxanone (PDS) stitches, used for deep tissue closure, can remain intact for up to 180 to 210 days, providing extended support for healing.
Monitoring and When to Contact a Doctor
As dissolvable stitches break down, it is normal to experience some changes around the wound site. The stitches may loosen, appear to fray, or even fall out in small pieces. Some individuals might notice mild itching or slight discomfort as the wound heals and the sutures dissolve. The wound should show continuous signs of improvement, with decreasing redness, swelling, and pain.
Contacting a healthcare provider is important if the stitches are not dissolving within the expected timeframe or if there are signs of complications. These warning signs include increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pain around the wound. The presence of pus, foul odor, or a fever also indicates a potential infection. If the wound edges separate or the wound reopens, immediate medical attention is necessary.