What Are Dissolvable Stitches?

A surgeon stitching a patient. — Dissolvable stitches are better suited for wounds; you don't have to take them out. Cultura RM Exclusive/KaPe Schmid / Getty Images/Image Source

For centuries, dentists and oral surgeons, plastic surgeons, obstetricians, urologists and even veterinarians have used stitches to close up gashes, cuts and surgical incisions. Now, many physicians are using some form of dissolvable stitches (also called absorbable sutures). The great thing about dissolvable stitches is that they can be used on internal or external wounds.

Stitches, dissolvable or non-dissolvable, have three features:

Thickness - Some stitches must be thin (perhaps for a simple cut or plastic surgery, or a wound that needs to heal with less scarring), and others thicker (perhaps for internal wounds where scarring isn't as worrisome, or so the stitch will last longer). To make a thicker stitch, more of the material is woven together. For a thinner stitch, less material is woven together.
Elasticity - Stitches on your knee need to be more elastic than those on your forearm, because your knee must be able to bend. Without proper elasticity, the stitches can snap and come out, or even tear the wound and delay healing.
Decomposition rate - A deep, wide wound will need longer to heal, so the stitches will have to last longer. Stitches can be formulated and strengthened to dissolve slowly or rapidly over the desired treatment period.

Dissolvable stitches differ from non-absorbable stitches because they are:

naturally decomposed by the body
temporary, and don't usually require a follow-up doctor's visit to remove the stitches or check on the wound

To your body, stitches are a foreign substance, and the body is programmed to destroy foreign substances. Dissolvable stitches are made from natural materials, such as processed collagen (animal intestines), silk and hair, as well as some synthetic materials that the body can break down. This allows the body to dissolve the stitches over time. Usually, by the time the stitches are dissolved, the wound is completely healed.

Occasionally, a stitch won't dissolve completely. This usually occurs when part of the stitch is left on the outside of the body. There, the body's fluids cannot dissolve and decompose the stitch, so it remains intact. A doctor can easily remove the remaining piece of stitch once the wound is closed.

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Originally Published: Apr 10, 2001

Dissolvable Stitches FAQ

How long does it take for dissolvable stitches to dissolve?

The time it takes for dissolvable stitches to disappear can vary. Most fall out or start to dissolve within one or two weeks. However, in certain cases, they disappear after several weeks or months.

What color are dissolvable stitches?

Usually, absorbable sutures are white or clear in color. They are usually buried by threading the suture under the skin edges and are only visible when threads come out of the wound’s ends.

Do stitches hurt when they dissolve?

Any staples or stitches placed on the outside must be removed within 14 days. It is common to feel pain at the incision site. However, as the wound decreases, pain will also reduce.

What do infected dissolvable stitches look like?

You will notice red streaks or redness around the area. Pain while moving the injured area or touching the stitches is also an indication of infection. Besides, there might be swelling around the stitches.

Should you pull out dissolvable stitches?

No, you should never remove them without consulting a doctor. Usually, there is no need to remove them as they disappear on their own after some time.