Dissolvable Stitches After Surgery: What Are They and What to Expect?
General information only: This article provides general patient education information about dissolvable sutures. It does not replace the specific post-operative instructions provided by Dr Kaushal or his rooms at discharge. If you have concerns about your wound, stitches or recovery after surgery, contact the rooms on (02) 7906 8312. |
Dissolvable Stitches — A Common Question After Surgery
After any surgical procedure, one of the first questions patients ask is: do I need to come back to have my stitches removed? For the majority of patients who have surgery with Dr Kaushal at Campbelltown, the answer is no — because dissolvable stitches are used routinely in his practice.
Dissolvable stitches — also called absorbable sutures — are a type of surgical stitch that breaks down naturally in the body over time without needing to be removed. They are placed beneath the skin surface and absorbed by the body as the wound heals. On the surface, the skin is typically closed with adhesive strips or a waterproof wound dressing, leaving no visible stitch ends to remove.
Understanding what dissolvable stitches are, how they work, what to expect as the wound heals, and when something warrants medical attention gives patients confidence during their recovery at home.
Post-Operative Questions — Contact the Rooms (02) 7906 8312 | [email protected] | drdeveshkaushal.com.au |
What Are Dissolvable Stitches?
Dissolvable stitches — or absorbable sutures — are surgical threads made from materials that are broken down by the body’s natural processes over time. Unlike traditional non-absorbable sutures, which must be physically removed at a post-operative appointment, dissolvable stitches dissolve on their own as the wound heals.
They are used to close the deeper layers of a wound — the fat layer, the muscle fascia, and the tissue just beneath the skin (subcutaneous layer) — as well as to close the skin itself when used as an intradermal (under-skin) suture. When placed correctly under the skin surface, they leave no ends visible on the outside of the wound.
What are they made from?
Dissolvable sutures are made from synthetic or natural materials that are absorbed through hydrolysis (breakdown by water) or proteolysis (breakdown by enzymes) in the body’s tissues. Common materials include polyglycolic acid, polyglactin (Vicryl), poliglecaprone (Monocryl) and polydioxanone (PDS). The material used depends on the depth of the layer being closed and the required tensile strength and absorption time.
Dr Kaushal’s practice: Dissolvable sutures are used routinely for skin closure in Dr Kaushal’s surgical procedures. This means most patients do not need a separate appointment to have stitches removed. The wound is closed under the skin surface and covered with a waterproof dressing at the time of surgery. |
How Long Do Dissolvable Stitches Take to Dissolve?
The time for dissolvable stitches to fully absorb depends on the type of suture material used and the depth at which they are placed. Deeper sutures — closing the fascial or muscular layers — are made from longer-lasting materials, while sutures placed just under the skin dissolve more quickly.
Layer Closed | Typical Suture Material | Approximate Absorption Time |
Muscle / fascia (deep) | PDS, Vicryl | 3 to 6 months |
Fat / subcutaneous layer | Vicryl, Monocryl | 6 to 8 weeks |
Under-skin (intradermal) | Monocryl, Vicryl Rapide | 3 to 6 weeks |
Important: The skin surface may look fully healed well before the deeper sutures have completely absorbed. This is normal. The deep stitches continue to dissolve quietly beneath a healed skin surface. You will not usually see or feel them once the skin has closed over. |
The Wound Dressing — What Dr Kaushal Applies at Surgery
At the end of each procedure, Dr Kaushal applies a waterproof wound dressing over the closed skin. This dressing protects the wound in the critical early healing period, keeps it clean and dry, and allows patients to shower without getting the wound wet.
The waterproof dressing:
- Applied directly over the wound at the end of surgery in the operating theatre
- Transparent — allows you to see the wound without removing the dressing
- Waterproof — you can shower with the dressing in place without soaking the wound
- Stays in place for approximately 5 days after surgery
- Does not need to be changed at home unless it lifts, peels or becomes soiled
Dressing removal — Day 5 after surgery Dr Kaushal’s standard instruction is to remove the waterproof dressing 5 days after surgery. After removal, the wound can be left open to air — no further dressing is required in most cases, provided the wound looks well healed. If the dressing lifts or falls off before day 5 — and the wound beneath looks clean and dry — simply leave it uncovered. Do not apply another dressing unless the wound is weeping or the skin is not yet closed. Contact the rooms if you are unsure. |
Showering After Surgery — With the Waterproof Dressing
One of the most common questions after surgery is when it is safe to shower. Because Dr Kaushal applies a waterproof dressing at the time of surgery, most patients can shower from the day after their procedure — with the dressing in place.
Showering guidelines:
- You may shower from the day after surgery with the waterproof dressing in place
- Allow water to run over the dressing briefly — do not soak, scrub or direct a strong jet of water at the wound
- Pat the dressing dry gently with a clean towel after showering — do not rub
- Do not submerge the wound in a bath, spa, pool or the ocean until the wound is fully healed and the dressing has been removed — typically at least 2 to 4 weeks after surgery depending on the wound
- After the dressing is removed on day 5, you may shower directly over the wound — let clean water run over it and pat dry
- Do not scrub the wound or use soap directly on the incision line
- Do not apply antiseptic solutions such as Betadine, Dettol or hydrogen peroxide to the wound — these can delay healing
- Do not apply any creams, ointments or home remedies to the wound unless specifically instructed
- Do not pick at the wound edges or any visible suture material
What to Expect as Your Wound Heals
Understanding what is normal during wound healing helps patients distinguish expected changes from signs that warrant medical attention.
Timeframe | What Is Normal |
Days 1–3 | Some redness, swelling and bruising immediately around the wound is expected. Mild to moderate discomfort managed with paracetamol and anti-inflammatories as prescribed. Small amount of clear or pale pink fluid visible under the dressing — normal. |
Days 3–5 | Redness and swelling beginning to settle. Wound edges coming together. Waterproof dressing still in place — remove on day 5 as instructed. |
Days 5–14 | Dressing removed on day 5. Wound line visible — may appear slightly raised or pink. Some itching around the wound is normal as the skin heals. Dissolvable stitches dissolving under the surface — not visible. |
Weeks 2–6 | Wound continues to mature. Redness fading. Scar may feel firm or slightly raised initially — this is normal and settles over time. Itching often increases during this phase as nerves regenerate. |
Months 1–12 | Scar progressively softens, flattens and fades. Final scar appearance is not reached until 12 months after surgery. Sun protection of the scar is important — UV exposure causes permanent darkening of healing scars. |
Signs That Need Medical Attention
Most wounds heal without complication. However, the following signs should prompt you to contact Dr Kaushal’s rooms or see your GP promptly:
🟡 Contact the rooms or see your GP if you notice: • Increasing redness spreading beyond the wound edges — particularly if it is expanding over time • Increasing swelling, warmth or tenderness at the wound — getting worse rather than better after day 3 • Discharge from the wound — yellow, green or cloudy fluid, or a foul smell • The wound edges separating or opening — particularly in the first 2 weeks • Fever above 38°C in the first 2 weeks after surgery • A lump or hardness developing under or around the wound that was not there before • A visible stitch end or suture material poking through the skin surface — common and usually not concerning, but contact the rooms for advice |
🔴 Attend an emergency department or call 000 for: • The wound opening significantly with visible tissue beneath the skin • Heavy bleeding from the wound that does not stop with firm pressure • Severe worsening pain at the wound site — particularly if associated with fever, vomiting or feeling very unwell • Signs of a systemic infection — high fever, rigors, rapid heart rate, confusion or collapse |
Suture Spitting — When a Stitch Comes to the Surface
Occasionally, a small piece of dissolvable suture material works its way to the skin surface during the healing process — a phenomenon called suture spitting or suture extrusion. It appears as a small, firm, thread-like piece of material poking through the skin, sometimes with a tiny surrounding area of redness or a small pimple-like spot.
Suture spitting is common, particularly in the weeks after surgery, and is not usually a sign of infection or a serious problem. The body is simply pushing out the dissolving suture material rather than absorbing it completely beneath the surface. In most cases the suture end falls out on its own or can be gently trimmed with small scissors — contact the rooms for advice before attempting this at home.
If the area around a spitting suture becomes significantly red, swollen, tender or starts to discharge pus, contact the rooms — this may represent a small localised infection called a suture abscess, which can be treated simply.
Looking After Your Scar
Once the wound is fully healed — typically from 4 to 6 weeks after surgery — scar care can begin. The following measures support the best possible scar appearance over time:
- Sun protection — keep the scar covered from direct sun or apply SPF 50+ sunscreen over the healed scar for at least 12 months. UV exposure causes permanent darkening of new scars.
- Silicone scar products — silicone gel or sheets applied to a fully healed scar can help reduce redness and flatten the scar over time. Available at pharmacies without prescription.
- Scar massage — gentle circular massage over the healed scar for 5 minutes twice daily from 6 weeks onwards can soften the scar and reduce firmness. Use a bland moisturiser or a specific scar gel.
- Moisturising — keeping the healed scar moisturised reduces dryness and itching during the maturation phase.
Patience is important: Surgical scars take up to 12 months to reach their final appearance. A scar that looks pink, firm or raised in the first few months will typically soften, flatten and fade considerably over the following year. Most patients are surprised by how much improvement occurs with time. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to come back to have my stitches removed?
For most patients operated on by Dr Kaushal, the answer is no. Dissolvable sutures are used routinely for skin closure, meaning the stitches absorb on their own and do not need to be removed at an appointment. The skin closure is placed under the surface — you will not see stitch ends to pull out. A post-operative follow-up appointment is still arranged after surgery to review the wound and discuss the operation findings — but this is a clinical review, not a stitch removal appointment.
I can see something poking through my skin — is that a stitch?
Yes, it is likely a suture end working its way to the surface — called suture spitting. This is common with dissolvable stitches and is not usually a cause for concern. The material is the dissolving suture thread being pushed outward by the healing tissue rather than absorbed completely beneath the surface. Contact the rooms for advice — in most cases it falls out on its own or can be simply managed at your post-operative appointment.
My wound is itchy — is something wrong?
Itching around a healing wound is extremely common and is actually a sign that the wound is healing. It occurs as new nerve endings regenerate in the healing tissue and as the scar matures. Gentle patting rather than scratching is recommended — scratching can damage the healing skin surface. Keeping the area moisturised helps reduce itching. If the itching is accompanied by increasing redness, swelling or discharge, contact the rooms as these features together may indicate something more than normal healing.
Can I go swimming after surgery?
Swimming — in a pool, ocean or spa — should be avoided until the wound is fully healed and the skin surface is completely closed. As a general guide, this is usually at least 2 to 4 weeks after surgery for laparoscopic wounds and longer for larger open wounds. Submerging a healing wound in water — particularly in non-sterile environments such as the ocean — significantly increases the risk of wound infection. Dr Kaushal or the rooms team will advise on when swimming is safe for your specific wound at your post-operative appointment.
My dressing fell off before day 5 — what should I do?
If the waterproof dressing falls off or lifts before day 5, check the wound underneath. If the wound looks clean, the edges are together and there is no discharge, simply leave it uncovered — do not try to apply a new dressing at home. If the wound is weeping, has opened, or you are unsure, contact the rooms on (02) 7906 8312 for advice. Do not apply antiseptic solutions or home remedies to the wound.
How do I know if my wound is infected?
The signs of wound infection include increasing redness spreading outward from the wound edges, increasing warmth and swelling, pain that is getting worse rather than better, discharge of yellow or green fluid, a foul smell from the wound, and fever. These signs typically appear between days 3 and 10 after surgery. If you notice any of these features, contact the rooms promptly or see your GP. Do not wait and hope the symptoms settle — wound infections are very treatable when identified early.
Questions About Your Wound or Recovery?
If you have any concerns about your wound, dressing, stitches or recovery after surgery with Dr Kaushal — contact the rooms directly. The team is available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Specialist General Surgeon | Upper GI and Bariatric Surgery 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown NSW 2560 Phone: (02) 7906 8312 Email: [email protected] | drdeveshkaushal.com.au Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Current hospital appointments and accreditations include: Sydney Southwest Private Hospital Liverpool | Campbelltown Public Hospital | Campbelltown Private Hospital | The George Hospital Medicare rebates and private health insurance benefits may apply depending on the service, referral and individual policy. Please contact the rooms and your insurer regarding fees and potential out-of-pocket costs. |
General information only: This article provides general patient education about dissolvable stitches and wound care. It does not replace the specific instructions given to you at discharge. Contact the rooms on (02) 7906 8312 with any concerns about your wound or recovery. |