Dissolvable stitches are a common medical tool for closing wounds after injuries or surgery. They eliminate the need for follow-up stitch removal appointments, as the body naturally absorbs them. This supports healing by holding wound edges together, promoting proper tissue alignment, and reducing complications from manual stitch removal.
What Dissolvable Stitches Are
Dissolvable stitches, also known as absorbable sutures, are made from materials designed to break down safely within the body. These materials can be synthetic polymers, such as polyglycolic acid (PGA) or polylactic acid (PLA), or natural materials, like purified catgut. Synthetic stitches dissolve primarily through hydrolysis, where water molecules break down the suture material’s chemical bonds. Natural stitches, like catgut, are absorbed through enzymatic degradation, as the body’s enzymes break them down.
Stitch dissolution timelines vary by material, size, and wound location. For instance, catgut stitches dissolve within 10-21 days, while polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) takes 56-70 days. Slower-dissolving materials like polylactic acid (PLA) can take 90-120 days, and polydioxanone (PDS) 180-210 days. Wounds in areas with high movement or moisture may dissolve stitches more quickly due to increased exposure to bodily fluids and friction.
Supporting the Dissolution Process
While you cannot speed up stitch dissolution, proper wound care supports the body’s natural healing and absorption. Keep the wound clean and dry, as advised by medical professionals. After 24-48 hours, gently clean the wound with mild soap and water, then pat dry. This maintains hygiene without disrupting stitches. Avoid scrubbing the area to prevent irritation to healing skin.
Follow specific wound care instructions, such as dressing changes. Avoid picking, pulling, or disturbing the stitches, as this can reopen the wound, increase infection risk, or lead to more noticeable scarring. Protect the wound from injury or excessive strain, especially in areas of movement, to ensure stitches remain intact during initial healing.
Maintain good hydration and nutrition to support the body’s ability to heal and absorb stitches. Adequate fluid intake ensures proper nutrient transport to the wound and facilitates byproduct removal from healing. A balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins (especially A and C), and minerals like zinc provides building blocks for tissue repair and immune function.
When to Consult a Doctor
Monitor the wound for signs indicating a problem requiring medical attention. Increased redness, swelling, warmth, or persistent pain around the wound indicate infection. Pus, an unpleasant smell, or unusual discharge from the wound also suggests infection.
Consult a doctor if stitches do not dissolve or remain intact long after their expected timeline, or if they cause irritation or protrusion. A wound that reopens, shows gapping, excessive bleeding, or significant discharge requires prompt medical evaluation. Additionally, systemic symptoms like fever or a general feeling of being unwell, combined with wound concerns, require immediate medical attention.