Dissolvable Stitches: How Long They Last, Complications, Removal ...

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HealthlineSubscribeHow Long Do Dissolvable Stitches Take to Dissolve?

Medically reviewed by Kelsey Nank, PA-C — Written by Corey Whelan — Updated on May 28, 2025

How long
Uses
Loose stitches
Home removal
Takeaway

The amount of time it takes for dissolvable stitches to disintegrate on their own can depend on many factors, including the type of surgery, the material of the stitches, and the size.

Dissolvable stitches are designed to disintegrate on their own, over a specific amount of time. They’re made of ingredients that absorb readily into skin.

Suture ingredients are always sterile. They include:

synthetic polymer materials, such as polydioxanone, polyglycolic acid, polyglyconate, and polylactic acid
natural materials, such as purified catgut (from the guts of cattle or sheep) and silk (though stitches made of silk are usually treated as permanent)

How long does it take?

Several factors determine the amount of time it takes for dissolvable stitches to break down and disappear. These include:

the type of surgical procedure
the type of wound being closed
suture material type
the size of the suture used
your individual healing process

The time it takes can be up to 4 weeks. For example, wisdom tooth removal may require dissolvable stitches that will dissolve within a few weeks.

When are they used?

The type of sutures used for specific procedures may be determined, in part, by your doctor’s preference and expertise. Dissolvable stitches may be used in cases where follow-up wound care isn’t needed.

Procedures that might use dissolvable stitches include the following:

Oral surgery

Dissolvable stitches are used after tooth extraction, such as wisdom tooth removal, to tack the gum tissue flap back into its original place. A curved suture needle is used, and the number of stitches required is based on the size of the tissue flap and each individual’s needs.

Cesarean delivery

Some doctors prefer staples while others prefer dissolvable stitches after cesarean delivery. You may wish to discuss the pros and cons of each with your doctor prior to your delivery to determine which type is best for you.

Uterine incision is always closed with dissolvable sutures, but the external abdominal incision may be closed with either staples, sutures, or glue

Breast cancer tumor removal

If you have breast cancer, your surgeon will remove the cancerous tumor, the surrounding tissue, and possibly several lymph nodes. If they use dissolvable stitches, the stitches will be placed in areas where scarring can be reduced as much as possible.

Knee replacement surgery

Knee surgery, including knee replacement surgery, may use dissolvable stitches, nondissolvable stitches, or a combination of the two. In some instances, a line of dissolvable stitches will be used under the skin to reduce surface scarring.

A material that’s commonly used for dissolvable stitches in orthopedic surgeries, like knee surgery, is polydioxanone. These stitches can take about 6 months to completely dissolve.

What to do if you see a stray or loose stitch

It’s not unusual for a dissolvable stitch to poke out from under the skin before it has completely dissolved. Unless the wound has opened, is bleeding, or shows signs of infection, this is not cause for alarm.

Unlike permanent sutures, dissolvable ones are much less likely to create stitch reactions such as infection or granulomas.

Signs of infection include:

redness
swelling
oozing
fever
pain

You may be tempted to try to cut or pull the stitch out, but your wound may not have fully healed yet. It’s better to wait and let the process take its course. Let your doctor know if you are worried about stitches that have become visible or detached.

Also, ask your doctor how long the dissolvable stitches are designed to remain intact for your specific procedure.

If more time than that has passed, they may recommend you come in to have the stitch snipped, or they can let you know if you can remove it yourself.

Home removal and aftercare

Dissolvable stitches that poke through the skin may fall off themselves, perhaps in the shower from the force of the water or by rubbing against the fabric of your clothing. That’s because they’re continuing to dissolve under your skin.

It’s important not to remove a dissolvable stitch on your own without getting your doctor’s approval first. Doing so can lead to complications, such as infection.

If your doctor approves, make sure to use sterilized equipment, such as a surgical scissor, wash your hands thoroughly, and sterilize the area with rubbing alcohol.

Check out this step-by-step guide for removing stitches at home.

Wound care instructions given to you by your doctor may include information about keeping the area clean, dry, and covered as well as using antibacterial ointment.

The information given to you will likely include how often to change your wound’s dressing. You may also be told to limit your physical activity.

Follow your doctor’s directions and wound care instructions carefully, and keep an eye out for signs of infection.

The takeaway

Dissolvable stitches are used for many types of surgical procedures and for wound care. These types of stitches are designed to naturally degrade over time.

If you’re having a surgical procedure, ask your surgeon about the type of sutures you’ll receive and how long you can expect them to remain in place.

Be sure to ask about follow-up care and what you should do if a dissolvable stitch doesn’t dissolve on its own.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Common suture materials and suggested indications for their use. (n.d.).http://www.oxfordmedicaleducation.com/clinical-skills/procedures/common-suture-materials-and-suggested-indications-for-their-use/
Azmat CE, et al. (2023). Wound closure techniques.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470598/
Suture materials. (n.d.).https://meds.queensu.ca/central/assets/modules/basic_suturing/suture_materials.html
Types of suture: Suture materials. (n.d.).http://www.dolphinsutures.com/types-of-sutures
Wound care after surgery (dissolving stitches). (2025).https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/media/ig0ety2c/wound-care-after-surgery_dissolving-stitches_feb25.pdf

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Medically reviewed by Kelsey Nank, PA-C — Written by Corey Whelan — Updated on May 28, 2025

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