Dissolvable sutures are special stitches that break down naturally in the body over time. They are commonly used for internal wounds, oral surgeries, and minor skin closures. Unlike traditional stitches, they do not need to be removed by a doctor. However, the time it takes for them to dissolve depends on the material, the location of the wound, and the patient’s health.
In this post, we will explain how long dissolvable sutures take to dissolve under the skin and what factors affect their absorption. These sutures are designed to break down naturally, eliminating the need for removal. The time it takes varies based on the material, the location of the stitches, and individual healing rates.
Factors That Affect Suture Dissolution Time
Different factors play a vital role in how fast your sutures will dissolve inside your skin. Your body’s healing speed and the type of sutures used create unique timelines for each patient.
Suture Thickness and Type
Suture thickness plays a major role in how fast stitches break down inside your body. Thicker sutures need more time to dissolve than thinner ones. The material type also affects dissolution speed – synthetic polymers and natural materials behave differently under the skin.
The body breaks down each suture through an inflammatory response. This natural process varies based on the suture’s makeup and size. Synthetic materials dissolve faster than natural ones in most surgeries.
The thickness matches the wound type – deeper cuts need stronger, thicker sutures that take longer to disappear.
Location in the Body
Body parts heal at different speeds based on blood flow and enzyme levels. Mouth wounds from wisdom tooth surgery need only a few weeks for stitches to break down. Deep tissue repairs, like those in orthopedic procedures, require more time – up to six months for complete dissolution.
Blood-rich areas speed up the process, while areas with less blood flow take longer to dissolve stitches. The next section explains how different types of suture materials affect healing times.
Individual healing process
Each person’s recovery process varies based on their individual factors. People with good health and strong immune systems recover faster than those with medical conditions. The recovery process progresses through stages, starting with inflammation and ending with the remodeling stage. Most patients see their dissolvable stitches break down within one to two weeks.
Your age, diet, and overall health play key roles in how quickly sutures dissolve. Smoking slows down recovery, while proper nutrition accelerates it. The typical recovery signs include mild redness and slight swelling near the stitches.
Typical Timeline for Dissolvable Sutures
Different sutures dissolve at varying speeds – from 10 days for fast-absorbing catgut to 180 days for PDO sutures – you can read on to learn the exact timeline for your specific type.
Catgut
Catgut sutures dissolve under the skin through a natural process. These stitches come from sheep or cow intestines and break down as your body heals. Most patients see their catgut sutures disappear within 6 weeks after surgery.
Doctors often pick catgut sutures for C-section procedures because they work well with internal tissue healing. The sutures start to weaken as soon as they contact body fluids, which helps them break down safely over time.
PGA (Polyglycolic Acid)
PGA sutures dissolve faster than other types under the skin. These stitches break down within 1-4 weeks after surgery, making them perfect for short-term wound healing.
Medical experts choose Polyglycolide sutures for their quick absorption rate and strong support during the early healing phase. The material works great for closing internal wounds and soft tissue repairs.
PDO (Polydioxanone)
PDO sutures take longer to dissolve than PGA threads. These threads start breaking down 3-6 months after placement under the skin. The results from PDO threads last up to a year or more in most cases.
Many factors affect how fast PDO threads dissolve, such as thread size and where doctors place them. A person’s body type and daily habits also change how quickly the threads break down.
PGLA (Poly(glycolide-co-l-lactide))
PGLA sutures blend two materials – glycolide and lactide – to create strong, reliable stitches. These stitches dissolve in 60 to 90 days, making them perfect for deep tissue healing.
Medical teams pick PGLA polymer sutures for surgeries that need medium-term support. The sutures break down slowly through a process called hydrolysis, which happens naturally in your body.
The strength of PGLA stays steady for about three weeks before starting to fade. Your body absorbs these stitches completely, leaving no traces behind.
Conclusion
Dissolvable sutures need different times to break down – from days to months based on their type and location. Your body’s healing speed and the suture material play key roles in this process.
Medical help might be needed if you notice redness, swelling, or unusual pain around your stitches. Your doctor’s care instructions remain vital for proper healing and the best results.
