Post-Surgery Concerns: What to Do If Stitches Don't Dissolve

Q: Post-Surgery Concerns: What to Do If Stitches Don't Dissolve

Hello： Will the sutures be absorbed by the surrounding skin after they have not fallen out? No, they will break. <br>If you don't want to wait, you can return for a follow-up. <br>Generally, they will break on their own. <br>Thank you for your inquiry.

Frenulum of the prepuce

Hello Doctor, I completed my surgery on February 15 and started soaking in water on February 22.
However, in early March, I noticed that the suture ends had not fallen off, so I went for a follow-up appointment.
The doctor just advised me to continue soaking in water.
Now, after soaking for two weeks since early March, about 80% of the suture ends are still present.
The scab near the tether has fallen off, but I still feel like there are new scabs forming! Should I just continue soaking in water, or do I need to return for suture removal? Currently, the area feels less hard than before after drying out.
Additionally, I would like to ask if the sutures will be absorbed by the surrounding skin if they do not fall off, and whether this will affect future sexual activity.

Chao Ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/12

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: Will the sutures be absorbed by the surrounding skin after they have not fallen out? No, they will break.
If you don't want to wait, you can return for a follow-up.
Generally, they will break on their own.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2017/03/12

More Info

After undergoing surgery, it's common to have concerns regarding the healing process, especially when it comes to stitches that are not dissolving as expected. Based on your description, it seems that you had surgery on February 15, and by early March, you noticed that the stitch ends were still present despite soaking them in water. Here are some insights and recommendations regarding your situation.

Understanding Stitches and Healing
1. Types of Stitches: There are two main types of stitches: absorbable and non-absorbable. Absorbable stitches are designed to dissolve over time, usually within a few weeks to months, depending on the material used. Non-absorbable stitches, on the other hand, need to be removed manually. If your stitches are still present after several weeks, it’s essential to determine which type you have.

2. Soaking Stitches: Soaking stitches in water can help soften the scabs and promote healing, but it is not a guaranteed method for dissolving absorbable stitches. If the stitches are non-absorbable, soaking will not affect them, and they will need to be removed by a healthcare professional.

3. Signs of Healing: You mentioned that the area feels less hard and that some scabs have fallen off. This is a positive sign of healing. However, if you still see a significant amount of stitch material, it may indicate that the stitches are not dissolving as they should.

Recommendations
1. Follow-Up Appointment: Given that the stitches have not dissolved as expected, it is advisable to schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon or healthcare provider. They can assess the situation and determine whether the stitches need to be removed or if they are indeed absorbable and will eventually dissolve.

2. Monitoring for Infection: Keep an eye on the surgical site for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

3. Impact on Future Activities: If the stitches do not dissolve and remain in the skin, they typically do not cause issues with future activities, including sexual intercourse. However, if they are non-absorbable and left in place, they may cause irritation or discomfort over time. It’s best to discuss this with your doctor during your follow-up visit.

4. Skin Absorption: If the stitches are absorbable and have not dissolved, they will not be absorbed by the surrounding skin. Instead, they may eventually cause irritation or discomfort if they remain in place for too long. Non-absorbable stitches will remain until removed.

Conclusion
In summary, while soaking the stitches may help with the healing process, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider regarding the status of your stitches. They will provide the best guidance on whether you need to have them removed or if they will dissolve on their own. Your health and comfort are paramount, so don’t hesitate to seek further evaluation if you have ongoing concerns.

Similar Q&A

Unremoved Surgical Stitches: Risks and Concerns After Orthopedic Surgery

Hello doctor, two weeks ago I had a car accident and fractured my hand. Last week, I returned for a follow-up appointment and had my stitches removed. Yesterday, I took off the bandage and noticed that it seems like the surgical stitches weren't completely removed; there are...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
If the sutures are absorbable, they will dissolve on their own. However, if they are non-absorbable sutures, it is best to remove them, as they can sometimes lead to infection.

Post-Surgery Stitch Concerns: What to Do If a Stitch Falls Out?

Dr. Li: Hello, about a week ago I had a wound on my calf that was sutured with eight stitches after debridement. Yesterday, during a dressing change, I noticed that only seven stitches remain, and I am unsure when one of them fell out. I would like to ask: 1. Since I cannot fin...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! Unless the suture ends are very short, they should be detectable; if not found, they will gradually be expelled. Take care! Changhua Hospital cares about you!

Concerns About Dissolving Stitches After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

I recently had my wisdom teeth extracted, and after the stitches were placed, the doctor told me to return in two weeks to have them removed. However, less than two weeks later, the stitches have turned yellow and seem to have softened. What should I do? Should I go back to see t...

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry
Dear Mr. Wu, Hello! As mentioned, it may be an absorbable suture. Please communicate more with your physician. Thank you! Wishing you safety! Sincerely, Director Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry

Understanding Surgical Sutures: Risks of Loosening and Infection

If the sutures have loosened but are not falling out, could this lead to infection or inflammation? Does the protruding part need to be addressed by a physician, or can it be cut off at home? Thank you.

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Hello: In response to your question, as long as the wound remains clean, even if the stitches loosen, there should be no infection or inflammation. It is best to return to the clinic for the physician to handle the protruding part, as it is not possible to determine the internal ...