Common materials used in wound closure

Different wound closure techniques will utilise different materials. The material chosen directly affects how long the stitches will hold the wound together before they dissolve completely. Common synthetic materials include:

• Polyglycolic acid
• Polylactic acid
• Polydioxanone

Natural materials, such as plain catgut, are also used for specific tissues, though they tend to trigger more inflammation as they break down.

How long do dissolvable stitches take to dissolve?

On average, dissolvable stitches may take one to eight weeks to dissolve completely. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the specific material and the depth of the surgical incisions. Surface-level stitches typically start to soften and break down within one to two weeks. Deeper wounds require stitches that provide prolonged support, which can take several weeks or even months to be fully absorbed.

What factors affect how long it takes for stitches to dissolve?

Several factors influence how quickly your body absorbs suture material. Your overall health, age and metabolic rate all play a role, as does the location of the wound - areas exposed to moisture or frequent movement tend to break down stitches more rapidly. In oral surgery, for example, saliva accelerates this process considerably. The thickness of the suture thread is also a factor, with thicker materials naturally taking longer to dissolve. Good blood flow to the wound site is equally important, as it supports the healing process and helps ensure the area repairs fully.

Proper wound care and general care

Taking proper care of your wound is essential for promoting healing and reducing the risk of infection. Your doctor will provide specific aftercare instructions, and it is important that you follow these closely until the wound has fully healed.

In the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, you should keep the wound clean and dry. After this initial period, you can usually wash the area gently using mild soap and water - let the water run softly over the wound, then pat dry with a clean towel or allow it to air dry. Avoid scrubbing the stitches directly at any stage.

Managing dressings and bandages

Your doctor may apply dressings to the wound to keep it protected. You should leave these in place exactly as instructed and resist the temptation to change or remove them without medical guidance. Clean dressings act as a barrier against external bacteria and are an important part of keeping infection at bay. If a dressing becomes wet or soiled, contact your doctor for advice rather than attempting to change it yourself.

Showering and physical activity

When showering, avoid directing water pressure straight onto the wound. You should also refrain from submerging the area in a bath, swimming pool, or hot tub unless your doctor has specifically advised that it is safe to do so.

Physical activity should be limited in the weeks following surgery. Heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for at least one to two weeks, as placing undue tension on the wound can cause stitches to break before the underlying tissue has had the chance to heal properly.

What complications are normal?

Some degree of soreness and mild swelling during recovery is entirely normal. You may also notice minor stitch marks around the closed wound. Occasionally, the body identifies the suture material as a foreign object and attempts to push it out - this is known as a "spitting" suture. If you notice a small piece of material protruding from the wound, do not attempt to pull it out, as doing so can disrupt the healing process.

When should you be concerned about wound infection?

While dissolvable stitches are generally very safe, complications can occasionally arise. The most common is a wound infection, which can significantly disrupt healing - bacteria can accelerate the breakdown of suture material, compromising the wound before it has fully closed.

It is important to monitor the wound closely in the days and weeks following surgery. Signs of infection include increasing pain, pronounced redness, swelling, and a persistent unpleasant odour from the wound site. The presence of thick yellow or green discharge, unexplained bleeding, or a fever should also be treated as warning signs that something is not right.

Seeking medical attention

If you experience significant discomfort or notice any of the signs of infection described above, seek medical attention straight away - do not wait until your scheduled follow-up appointment. You can contact your surgeon directly, visit your GP, or attend an urgent care clinic. Prompt treatment is needed to manage any infection and protect the integrity of the wound while it continues to heal.

Removing dissolvable stitches

In most cases, dissolvable stitches do not require a follow-up appointment for removal - they will break down naturally over time. However, if they persist well beyond the expected timeframe and are causing ongoing irritation, removal may be necessary. In these relatively rare situations, a nurse or GP can remove them manually. Where stitches are deeply embedded, this may need to be carried out under local anaesthetic to keep the procedure as comfortable as possible.

Non dissolvable stitches vs absorbable options

The choice between non-dissolvable and absorbable sutures is guided by accepted clinical standards and the specific requirements of the procedure. Non-dissolvable stitches are commonly used for superficial skin closures where minimising scarring is a priority. Unlike their absorbable counterparts, they cannot break down on their own and must be manually removed by a doctor once the skin has sufficiently healed.

In some cases, a surgeon will use both techniques in combination - placing dissolvable stitches in the deeper layers of tissue and non-dissolvable stitches on the surface. While both approaches are standard practice, the method chosen must be appropriate for the individual procedure and support safe, effective healing.

When does a complication become negligence?

Any medical procedure carries an inherent level of risk, and not every complication will amount to negligence. However, if your surgeon failed in their duty of care and you suffered harm as a direct result, you may have experienced avoidable harm that warrants a claim.

Equally, a surgeon who uses inappropriate closure techniques - causing the wound to reopen prematurely - or who fails to provide adequate aftercare instructions, may be held accountable for the consequences.

What are your legal options?

If you believe you have suffered avoidable harm due to poor surgical technique or inadequate aftercare, you have the right to seek clarity and accountability.

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can assist you by obtaining your medical records and instructing independent medical experts to review your case. We will carefully assess whether the care you received fell below accepted professional standards, leading to your complications. If a breach of duty is established, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Compensation can cover the costs of corrective surgery, further medical treatment, loss of earnings, travel costs and the pain and suffering you have endured.