Most surgical wounds will be held together with some form of stitches whilst you wait for your skin to heal. There are a few types of stitches that have different rules for aftercare, so it is important to speak to your doctor about what post-operative care you should be taking.
The main types of stitches used after surgery are dissolvable and non-dissolvable, however butterfly stitches can also be used for smaller, more shallow wounds.
Non-dissolvable stitches
Non-dissolvable stitches won’t be metabolised by the body but can be left permanently in some cases. Speak to your doctor about whether your non-dissolvable stitches need to be removed. They are favoured for superficial cuts as they are stronger than dissolvable stitches and last longer.
Dissolvable stitches
Dissolvable stitches are sutures designed and implemented to close post-operative wounds, typically inside the body but can also be applied externally. As such, these stitches do not require removal from a medical professional, as the material is typically made with ingredients catered to the body so that it can break down naturally and disintegrate as your wound or incision heals.
How long do dissolvable stitches last?
The timeframe for dissolving stitches to dissolve can range from a couple of days to one/two weeks or sometimes several months. Typically, these will be dependent on the type of wound the dissolving stitches are used to heal.
The length of time it takes for dissolvable stitches or sutures to disintegrate will usually depend on several factors, such as the type of surgery, the size of the wound and the material of the stitches.
When are dissolvable stitches used?
Dissolvable stitches are used for various procedures, and the type of suture is dependent on the type of procedure being performed and the type of wound. Often, dissolvable surgical stitches are used in cases where follow-up wound care or maintenance isn’t needed, therefore dissolvable surgical stitches become more efficient to use.
Some procedures that might require dissolvable stitches include:
• Oral surgery: Dissolvable surgical stitches are required for procedures such as tooth extraction
• Knee replacement surgery: Knee surgery may require either dissolvable or non-dissolvable surgical stitches
• Caesarean delivery: Doctors may prefer using dissolvable surgical stitches rather than staples after a c-section
• Internal wounds: Closing internal incisions that cannot be closed with non-dissolvable stitches
Scarring may occur if used with dissolving stitches which is why they are typically used more frequently internally rather than externally.
Taking care of dissolvable stitches
After the incisions have been closed with surgical dissolvable stitches, it’s important to follow advice given by a medical professional regarding the general care and maintenance of the wound. Doing so will prevent infection and speed up the healing process.
Some tips around general care of dissolving stitches include:
• Keeping the area dry as much as possible
• Avoiding using scented soaps on the area, always use mild soap
• Wearing loose-fitting clothes
• Showering instead of bathing, and avoiding swimming altogether until the wound heals fully
• If using a dressing on the wound, changing this regularly or when the doctor advises
Butterfly stitches
There are several different types of stitches, as mentioned above, such as wound stitches that are dissolvable and non-dissolvable. Butterfly stitches are another type of wound dressing that are also known as ‘steri-strips’ and are typically used as an alternative to traditional needle and thread sutures. These stitches are beneficial in scenarios where a wound is particularly large, bleeding excessively or uneven.
Butterfly stitches are a great alternative for areas of the body that are more difficult to apply a wound dressing. As with other stitches, butterfly stitches are applied to a wound if the wound is suitable for this type of bandage. Straight-edge wounds are most suitable for butterfly stitches as they are designed to hold this type of wound together. However, if your wound has a jagged edge, an alternative dressing should be applied.
Can you get stitches wet?
Showering after a procedure involving surgical dissolvable stitches is usually allowed 24 hours post-operation. However, it’s important to avoid bathing, swimming, or soaking the wound to ensure that the incision is fully closed and healing normally.
When showering, the incision should be washed very gently and with a mild soap, while remembering not to scrub the wound. Scrubbing the wound could damage the stitches and irritate the healing skin, as well as disrupt the closing of the wound.
Waterproof dressings can be beneficial to protect wounds sealed by dissolvable stitches, Elastoplast Sterile Waterproof Dressing offers breathable and reliable adhesion to protect from infection, whilst the waterproof film of the dressings makes them ideal for washing, showering and bathing.
How do you take out stitches?
Removing dissolvable stitches should not be attempted without a doctor’s approval. Dissolving stitches are designed and made using materials that will allow the wound to heal naturally and faster, while also disintegrating over time, meaning that removing them is not necessary.
In any case, consultation with a doctor should be undertaken if a person needs to remove their stitches to reduce the risk of infection and complications.
When to see a doctor
If you suspect your surgical wound may be infected, a doctor should be notified immediately for medical attention. Find out how to identify an infected operation wound here.
A doctor or medical professional should also be notified if the dissolvable surgical stitches have been damaged severely, broken, popped or come loose.
