Exact Answer: Up to 6 months
You are not supposed to get your dissolvable stitches out, as they will dissolve by themselves. The dissolvable stitches may last around 6 months. Some types of dissolve stitches may vanish in 10 days, while others may need a few months. The dissolvable stitches are prepared using special materials.
The materials can stay (or retain) in your body for a few days or months. You have to talk with your doctor to know the exact time for the stitches to last. These stitches require no special stitch removing process. The stitch will dissolve once the incision is completely closed. The time required for the stitches to dissolve depends on the type of stitch and the intensity of the wound.
How Long Do Dissolvable Stitches Last?
| Dissolvable Stitch | Dissolving Time |
| Minimum dissolving time | Up to 10 days |
| Maximum dissolving time | Up to 6 months |
The dissolvable stitches are prepared to make it easier for the patients and doctor. Taking out stitches is a herculean process and takes a lot of time. If the doctor uses dissolvable stitches on you, then it would be very easy for both of you. For normal stitches, you have to wait for the doctor’s confirmation before taking out the stitches.
The stitches take some days (or weeks) to be removed, as it depends on the healing of wounds. The process has become very easy with Absorbable stitches (or dissolvable sutures). This type of stitch is very convenient for people who have no time to run continuously to the doctor. These folks are not required to wait for the doctor to take out the stitches.
The stitches would go by themselves and would dissolve in your body. There are a few things that you have to do for taking care of dissolvable stitches. These include:
Don’t rub or scrub the incision in a hard manner.
Avoid removing the scabs.
Don’t use any type of ointment (or creams) on the stitched place.
Wash the stitch area gently while having a bath (or shower).
Make sure the stitches do not tamper in any way.
The dissolvable stitches are used for closing the wound (internal part). The dissolvable stitches are used, as there will not be a fear of more injury. For example, if you are using a normal stitch to cling the deepest part of the wound, then there may be a chance of infection (or pain). In the case of dissolvable stitches, there will not be any fear, as it would vanish on its own.
The surgeons can close the incision easily by using dissolvable stitches.
Why Do Dissolvable Stitches Last This Long?
The dissolvable stitches are designed in a way to takes such a long time. Many people feel that they can still feel the dissolvable stitches even if they vanish. The reason is, the dissolvable stitches take some time. You may feel the presence of the stitches, as it would take time to get dissolved completely.
You should strictly restrict yourself from rubbing the stitch area, as it would cause trouble in the healing process. The use of hydrogen peroxide could bring problems for dissolvable stitches. Don’t use peroxide on your stitches, if not recommended by the surgeon. The dissolvable stitches can bring down the tensile strength of the absorbable stitches.
Therefore, be careful before using peroxide on the stitches.
Conclusion
You can avoid the follow-up procedure while using absorbable stitches for your wounds. You can talk to the doctor about any precautions required. Dissolvable stitches are very safe to use, as they don’t require any extra effort. You have to follow some guidelines and restrictions while the stitch is still there.
The incision takes some time to get healed, so no need to get panicked. You should give rest to the incision so that it will get time to be healed. The time required for stitches to vanish is not the same for everyone. The stitches may dissolve in days or weeks, depending on the intensity of the incision.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022346814002589
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc4512869/
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