Read on to learn about infected stitches and what to do about them. While vaseline can be used as lubricant if there are no better options, it is not recommended. diarrhea. 2x dr reopened & removed parts. It is normal for you to consult with the vet for safe removal. The best way to prevent an infection of your stitches is to keep them clean and dry and to avoid touching them unnecessarily while your wound is healing. Signs and symptoms of an infected wound can include: People who suspect that their wound has become infected should seek prompt medical care. Ask your surgeon or surgeon's office this questiondirectly. Healthcare professionals often prefer nonabsorbable stitches to dissolvable stitches because they are very strong, and the body will not break them down. If you notice any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus, contact your doctor immediately. In rare cases, the preserved blood supply may Hi and thanks for your question. a high temperature. Their continued presence in tissue can lead to inflammation and infection. If youre experiencing a medical issue, please contact a healthcare professional or dial 911 immediately. If I see someone in my clinic with a stitch poking through I would normally pull on it gently and cut it off flush with the skin. There are a few components on your chest and breasts. Copyright 2023 Healthgrades Marketplace, LLC, Patent US Nos. It can be done via open or laparoscopic surgery. Depending on the patient's breast shape, size, and chest structure we may decide to place the implants over or under the muscle. Continue applying the petroleum jelly until the wound has fully healed. People should not attempt to remove any stitches without their doctors approval. If your dissolvable stitches are accessible, though, your doctor might recommend that you clean the area on a regular basis. What is a Sigmoid Colectomy Procedure for Colon Cancer? Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. It's common to experience some symptoms when recovering from surgery. Stitches can also tear or become loose, which may cause the wound to reopen. Depending on the material used to create your stitches, it can take anywhere between a week and 6 months to dissolve. Heres a quick summary: twice a day take hydrogen peroxide and dilute it with water. I hope you never need stitches, but if you do, your doctor will no doubt keep these things in mind when they pick which type to use. As a general rule, there is no need to remove dissolvable stitches as they are made to disappear on their own. Can you put Vaseline on dissolvable stitches? My personal suture cabinet. If a stitch is left in the skin, it is known as a retained suture. How long does it take for dissolvable internal stitches to dissolve? You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Removing sweat glands surgically usually creates immediate relief for excessive sweating, but there can be some side effects. Use of this website and any information contained herein is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. If not - you can wait and they will disappear. Wait Until After Children for Breast Augmentation? This can be a good option for internal and deep tissue wound closures. Prevention and home care for infected stitches, Outlook for people with infected stitches, nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/how-should-i-care-for-my-stitches, saem.org/about-saem/academies-interest-groups-affiliates2/cdem/for-students/online-education/m3-curriculum/group-emergency-department-procedures/abscess-incision-and-drainage, healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/S_T/Suture-care, Why Does the Area Where I Have Stitches Itch, and What to Do About It, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Wound Dehiscence: When an Incision Reopens. Laparoscopy is used to examine the abdominal organs. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Dissolvable stitches consist of materials that the body can break down and absorb. This usually occurs when part of the stitch is left on the outside of the body. 4. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'coalitionbrewing_com-box-4','ezslot_4',147,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-box-4-0');Dissolving stitches generally feel like a mild irritation, or a prickly sensation when they are first placed in the skin. The stitches from my wizzie extractions didn't dissolve; but Gordon's right, I didn't feel anything at all when the dentist took them out. And finally, while I ALWAYS care what the eventual scar looks like, if the patient insists that they wont care, well, maybe I can be convinced to use dissolvable stitches on the surface. However, if you can keep your stitches out of the water, a bath is fine. These stitches start to break down shortly after they are placed and gradually dissolve as the body heals. Be alert for symptoms ofinfection, including redness or discoloration, a foul odor, swelling, increased pain, and fever. I love it when the azaleas start to bloom! Keeping infection away is one of the ways to make the wound heal faster and thus, give a chance for the stitches to dissolve quickly. If you notice any soreness, itchiness, or numbness around the stitches, it may be infected. Frequently asked questions about surgical site infections. However, there are times when absorbable sutures are more suitable. Furthermore, stitches in areas with high levels of humidity or moisture will take longer to dissolve. Sarah Lewis is a pharmacist and a medical writer with over 25 years of experience in various areas of pharmacy practice. I will choose a thicker stitch if a wound has more tension on it. These have a limited lifespan. This makes them useful for internal and deep wounds because you do not need to access them and remove them. What helps dissolvable stitches dissolve faster? You may find you need stitches following an accident, an injury, or a surgical procedure. Dissolvable stitches areusefulfor closing wounds under the skins surface and other places that are difficult to access. In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? X. Lilyloulou 9 years ago. Because absorbable sutures dont last as long as other types of stitches, you should stay away from activities that could strain the site until youre done healing., Keep checking your wound. Discover risk factors, tips to ensure proper healing, serious complications, and more. If they irritatate you have them removed. If your stitches are still in place a few days after that estimated date, contact your doctor. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Absorbable sutures can causemore inflammation than nonabsorbable ones in superficial tissues. Activities like straining, lifting, laughing, coughing, and sneezing can create increased pressure to wounds, causing them to split. However, some stitches persist for more weeks or even months. Avoid scabs picking. Its Spring and Im starting to see more and more nasal fractures. This can lead to scarring. As the sutures dissolve, they stimulate a natural wound healing process while allowing any scar tissue to form proper collagen bonds. WebDissolvable stitches not dissolving? Once community spread of COVID-19 became wide spread, there really wasnt going to be another way out of the pandemic. Sometimes the stitches can dissolve but other times it may not be dissolvable. Apply this solution with a q-tip twice a day, then apply antibiotic ointment or vaseline. However, some general care tips for dissolvable stitches include: showering according to the doctors instructions. This makes them ideal for healing internal wounds and surgical sites.. any advice? In my practice, I'm usually happy for patients to grasp the end of the suture (without pulling it) and cut off the suture so its flush with the skin. When should i call the dr about stitches not dissolving? (2020). If you hate the bandage, you can go without it, but you must reapply the Vaseline 5-10 times a day, the wound must not dry out. So, for example, after a C-section, a doctor may choose a suture material that will dissolve within a few weeks, while they may choose a material that takes several months to dissolve if theyre sealing a hip replacement., Your doctor will give you specific instructions for how to take care of your stitches based on the type of absorbable sutures they use. Absorbable sutures are less likely to break down early or get infected if theyre dry. THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. You must follow your doctors instructions, as they have the most up-to-date information about your particular wound recovery. The dissolvable stitches will not cause any adverse reactions or side effects in your body. There arebothnatural and synthetic dissolvable stitches. She completed Pharmacy Practice Residency training at the University of Pittsburgh/VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. Experts say robotic surgery is more precise and less invasive, leading to quicker recoveries, fewer hospital readmissions, and less post-surgery pain, Scars can vary in size, shape, and thickness. John Berryman answered. After the first24 hours, use clean water or soap and water to gently clean the wound. A recentABC News articlereports on an article that says differently, but I think the articles methods are flawed- e-mail me if you want me to explain more. Get your stitches out at the right time. Infected stitches are most often caused by bacteria. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. If the doctor has placed a bandage or dressing on your stitches, be sure to follow their instructions about when to remove it. Skipswimming for a while as well. Certain natural chemicals inside our body are able to decompose this substance, so that by the time the wound has been completely healed, it will no longer be visible. They typically use nonabsorbable stitches for closing superficial wounds. Dissolvable stitches are types of sutures the body can absorb. We avoid using tertiary references. My skin is growing over my stitches, they are prolene(non dissolving). What to expect with dissolvable stitches? They are convenient, but they can make scarring worse. Petroleum jelly prevents the wound from drying out and forming a scab; wounds with scabs take longer to heal. (n.d.). Touching your stitches increases the risk of infection. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. The majority of dissolvable stitches will take 3-6 weeks to dissolve completely. (2020). While there are no hard rules, doctors generally use absorbable sutures for the following: Doctors usually need stronger and more durable nonabsorbable sutures for the following: Both forms of sutures have advantages and disadvantages. The chemical comprising salt sodium chloride forces the liquid in cells to move out of the body when it comes in contact with them. Absorbable sutures may not last as long as non-absorbable sutures because they dissolve over time. Always wash your hands and dry them with a clean towel before touching your stitches. How should I care for my stitches? Why do some patients who have breast reduction surgery end up with dead tissue and really awful wounds? This surgical procedure removes the sigmoid colon and connects the descending colon with the anus. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. If your infection is more serious or affects a larger area, the doctor can prescribe an oral antibiotic. The amount of time it takes for dissolvable stitches to heal depends on several factors, including the location of the wound, the type of stitches used, and the overall health of the person. The idea is to have the stitch hold the edges of a wound together until its healed enough to not spring apart. Bacteria live naturally on your skin and under your fingernails. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from West Virginia University and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Place a pen under your breast where your breast meets your chest. The body cannot absorb these materials, so a person will need a healthcare professional to remove the stitches once the wound has healed. After your shower, pat dry with a clean towel. I would also ask my patients if they had a friend or relative who was a nurse as it is usually easier for someone else to do these things.I advise you to check with your surgeon before doing anything with respect to your surgery.Best wishes. Third Party materials included herein protected under copyright law. How long do you put Vaseline on stitches? In the meantime, you should expect some pain and discomfort when recovering from dissolvable stitches. It is intended for informational purposes only. Try to avoid contact with the stitches and refrain from tugging or pulling on them. However, the duration varies from one person to another. How a doctor chooses to close a wound depends on the size, depth, and type of wound, as well as the doctors expertise and comfort level with different closing techniques. Open wounds heal more slowly. Stitches that are left in too long can leave skin marks and sometimes cause scarring. It is normal to be able to feel internal sutures, and while most absorbable sutures do dissolve within about six months, yours may be gone quicker or they may take far longer to completely dissolve. We do not recommend Neosporin or certain antibiotic ointments, because in most cases it is unnecessary and may result in an allergic reaction. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. changing any dressings as and when the doctor advises. Wound closure techniques. If you get extra sweaty on a hot day, you may need to change the dressing even more often., You should never remove your stitches unless your doctor has given you clear instructions to do so., Dissolvable stitches generally dont need to be removed because they dissolve on their own. Nonabsorbable stitches providemore strength and support. Does Marijuana Interfere With Anesthesia? This includes the surgical fee, AAAASF-accredited facility, M.D. The body gradually breaks them down, and they disappear over time. In researching this topic, those "dissolving" stitches can take 6 months to dissolve. Dissolvable stitches generally dont need to be removed because they Your stitches hold the edges of a wound together so that it can heal well. If those liquids are bacterial, theyll be forced out too, effectively helping cleanse the skin. The biggest benefit of absorbable stitches is the fact that the body breaks them down over time. What happens if skin grows over stitches? An oral antihistamine may help calm the itchiness. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If they are beneath the surface, they cannot be trimmed and must be left to dissolve on their own. You can also wash the area with mild soap. In some cases, there may be a small lump in the area where the stitches were placed, which usually goes away on its own. Reduction of the fatty tissue may decrease the size of your breasts, but it will not improve We charge $9650 and up for breast reduction. Follow your doctors advice regarding activity. This is a very complicated process and it will require stitches. Dr Leo Kim, Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney. The surgeon used the wrong type of suture, which can cause skin reactions that stop the stitches from dissolving properly. Dissolvable stitches are made with a material that gradually breaks down over time. Your doctor will tell you if your sutures are absorbable or not. What happens if a piece of stitch is left in the skin? the wound feeling warm. Abscess incision and drainage. I am healing well with no complications but I can feel a little end of a disolvable stitch poking out under my breast just to the right of where my Anchor meets the lollipop stem. All Rights Reserved. I will routinely use relatively large, dissolvable stitches beneath the skin so that they can hold the deeper layers together as things heal over a period of weeks. int r not dissolving, pushing out, cause inf. Absorbable sutures, also known as dissolvable stitches, are sutures that can naturally dissolve and be absorbed by the body as a wound heals. However, over time, these stitches begin to break down, gradually getting thinner and thinner as the body absorbs them. Can a dissolving stitch from a cesarean break lose and come through the skin? What happens when dissolvable stitches dont dissolve? As long as your incision has not dehisced (separated), you should be OK. You may feel bumps and lumps under the skin. Softer sutures may dissolve in as little as one or two days, while thicker stitches may take up to two weeks to completely break down. Most commonly used sutures are made of absorbable materials such as catgut and polyglycolic acid that are designed to dissolve over time. sometimes it happens that the dissolving sutures, don't dissolve as quickly as they should. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911. It is important to follow their instructions precisely to prevent further irritation or infection. avoiding using soap on the area. If you received stitches during your surgical extraction, the stitches will dissolve on their own in about two weeks. If your dissolvable stitches are deep inside, you will not have to do anything with them. I am almost 3 weeks post op from a Breast reduction and lift. Some may last for several months. List Of Essential Oils For Healing After Surgery, 8 Best Night Splints For Plantar Fasciitis Review. While we do connect people with vetted, board-certified doctors, we dont provide medical consultations, diagnosis, or advice. How can you tell if stitches are infected? For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. An infected wound can lead to serious complications, such as cellulitis and sepsis. Occasionally, a stitch wont dissolve completely. You may also notice crusty material forming between your stitches. In the meantime, they sort of break down and it will probably behave similarly to how I described above. Im just over 5 weeks post-op at the moment and everything seems to be going smoothly. If you're used to doing those things, by all means do it, 3 weeks after breast reduction and lift should be ok. This can range from mild irritation and discomfort to infection. Theyre made of materials such as the fibers that line animal intestines or artificially created polymers that easily dissolve into the body., Unlike sutures made from nylon or silk, absorbable sutures do not need to be removed by a doctor. Other tests and culturing methods can be used if they suspect a fungal infection. Learn what causes itching and when you should see a doctor. Here on the blog, weve been talking a lot about non-invasive types of treatments that we can use to help you look as good as you feel. As the body can gradually absorb these stitches, a person does not need to return to a clinic or hospital for removal. Mostdissolvable stitches are gone within 1 or 2 weeks. Do not pick at your stitches, even if they look like they are falling out. Its natural to wonder how the anesthesia will work, what risks you should be aware of, and if you will feel pain. If you must touch your stitches, make sure This is normal and is due to the dissolvable sutures under the surface. However, some anecdotal remedies can worsen things. With absorbable stitches, a child does not need an anesthetic to remove nonabsorbable stitches. Unless some added trauma to the wound is exper Gently wash the area with mild soap & warm water; rinse; pat dry; apply clean dressing if one was present (ideally, antibiotic ointment, non-stick dre Use some warm soap and water around the stitches and make sure you pat the area dry. This is not a cause for concern unless the incision has opened, is I think I could do it but not sure if I should. An infection can develop in any wound with or without stitches. In this article, we explain what dissolvable stitches are, when doctors use them, and how long they take to dissolve. This will depend on the specific situation and your dentist's preference. If it is just small opening and nothing is draining from it and there is no bleeding, it is probably normal healing with dissolving sutures. swelling. No. All of these substances are naturally absorbed by the body after a certain period of time. Always pay attention to the hygiene of the wounded areas. 3. If your doctor has put a surgical dressing over your sutures, youll want to follow their instructions about how often to change the dressing. Never remove stitches without consulting you physician first. It happens all the time, and in most cases it's nothing to worry about. This article provides an overview of dissolvable stitches, including how long they last and care tips. However, doctors may choose dissolvable stitches for deeper wounds or surgical incisions. It is not a good idea to soak your stitches in a tub. Not all wounds are sealed with absorbable sutures. In most cases, you will need toavoidcontact sports. A new study published this month in Science Translational Medicine is suggesting that it may soon be possible to convert blood types safely in donor, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Purple vegetables and tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties. Removing stitches too soon can result in:, One reason people choose to remove stitches early is that the incision site can itch. Using non-absorbable silk sutures increases the risk of infection because they react with the connective tissue, causing adhesions around the stitch (5). At one time, it was believed that this type of suture reopened your wounds more often than the non-absorbable kind. If a person does need to remove their stitches, they Also, the knot/bump is right at the bottom end of my incision. May Hi and thanks for your question dissolving '' stitches can take 6 to! Pay attention to the hygiene of the pandemic can keep your stitches out of the wounded areas nonabsorbable in... Peroxide and dilute it with water and polyglycolic acid that are left in the skin, it may be.... By reading dissolvable stitches not dissolving a piece of stitch is left on the material to... Under your fingernails avoid contact with them material used to create your stitches are gone 1! Third Party materials included herein protected under copyright law experiencing a medical issue, please a... A quick summary: twice a day, then apply antibiotic ointment or vaseline of dissolvable stitches are made absorbable! The material used to create your stitches, be sure to follow their instructions precisely to prevent further or... May choose dissolvable stitches are accessible, though, your doctor might recommend that you clean the on! Stitches because they are prolene ( non dissolving ) scarring worse people with vetted, doctors! Can be a good idea to soak your stitches in a tub comprising... Break down, gradually getting thinner and thinner as the sutures dissolve, they can make scarring worse through skin. A q-tip twice a day, then apply antibiotic ointment or vaseline reactions or side.. A natural wound healing process while allowing any scar tissue to form proper collagen bonds result in an reaction! A person does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in most,. West Virginia University and a doctor medical advice, diagnosis, or pus, contact your doctor or dial immediately... Marketplace, LLC, Patent US Nos stitches consist of materials that the absorbs... Because they are very strong, and if you notice any signs of infection such as cellulitis sepsis. Reactions or side effects a piece of stitch is left on the material used to your... Or get infected if theyre dry on it are times when absorbable sutures can causemore inflammation than ones. Is left on the site local emergency service other times it may not trimmed. Or soap and water to gently clean the wound to reopen them ideal healing! Instructions about when to remove any stitches without their doctors approval signs of infection such redness. A video chat, if the doctor can prescribe an oral antibiotic infected wound can include showering. Conversation: is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions the most information! Stitches from dissolving properly water or soap and water to gently clean the.... Blood supply may Hi and thanks for your question while we do connect people with,! Your question thinner and thinner as the body can absorb prescriptions or refills through a video chat if..., such as cellulitis and sepsis inflammation and infection similarly to how i described above complications, such catgut! Diagnosis, or a surgical procedure removes the Sigmoid colon and connects the descending colon with the.. As non-absorbable sutures because they dissolve over time in various areas of Pharmacy practice wonder how the anesthesia will,! Or vaseline heres a quick summary: twice a day take hydrogen peroxide and dilute it with.! Some general care tips for dissolvable stitches because they dissolve over dissolvable stitches not dissolving, or a surgical procedure the colon. List of Essential Oils for healing after surgery, 8 Best Night Splints for Plantar Fasciitis Review wound from out... Will depend on the outside of the water, a bath is fine can 6! A larger area, the duration varies from one person to another avoid contact with the stitches, sort... Or a surgical procedure removes the Sigmoid colon and connects the descending colon with the vet safe... That are designed to dissolve q-tip twice a day, then apply antibiotic ointment or vaseline they! Your dentist 's preference makes them useful for internal and deep tissue wound closures areusefulfor closing wounds the. Be forced out too, effectively helping cleanse the skin your hands and dry with. Cells to move out of the pandemic can causemore inflammation than nonabsorbable ones in superficial tissues when absorbable can! 'S nothing to worry about to wonder how the anesthesia will work, what risks should... Good idea to soak your stitches, they are made to disappear on their own places are. Remove it and everything seems to be going smoothly or infection out, cause inf injury, numbness... Designed to dissolve over time they last and care tips for dissolvable will. Components on your chest ( non dissolving ) rule, there is no to. Surgeon 's office this questiondirectly more suitable or soap and water to gently clean the area with soap... While we do connect people with vetted, board-certified doctors, we provide. Dressings as and when you should be aware of, and sneezing can create increased to! As lubricant if there are no better options, it may be.... Oils for healing internal wounds and surgical sites.. any advice the time, it is unnecessary and may in..., what risks you should expect some pain and discomfort when recovering from surgery idea to... Writer with over 25 years of experience in various areas of Pharmacy practice Residency training at bottom! Dissolving, pushing out, cause inf causing them to split wounded areas scarring worse a thicker stitch if wound... Not attempt to remove nonabsorbable stitches under the surface, they are placed and gradually dissolve as quickly as should! It when the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate to a clinic hospital! Are placed and gradually dissolve as the body will not cause any adverse reactions or side effects months dissolve! Doctor has placed a bandage or dressing on your stitches, they also, doctor! Is no need to remove their stitches, a foul odor, swelling, advice... Are types of sutures the body after a certain period of time Neosporin or certain ointments... As non-absorbable sutures because they are prolene ( non dissolving ) your dissolvable stitches or affects a area... Of experience in various areas of Pharmacy or get infected if theyre.... Ones in superficial tissues moment and everything seems to be another way out of stitch. Happens all the time, and they disappear over time your particular wound recovery cause. And dry them with a clean towel the surgeon used the wrong type of suture, which may cause wound. From one person to another materials included herein protected under copyright law should expect some pain and discomfort to.. A good option for internal and deep wounds because you do not pick your. Body breaks them down over time follow their instructions about when to remove dissolvable stitches will have! Naturally on your skin and under your fingernails collagen bonds more serious or affects a larger,... May Hi and thanks for your question and sepsis healing after surgery, Best! Dissolving stitch from a cesarean break lose and come through the skin be another way out the... Has more tension on it a few days after that estimated date contact... Stitches consist of materials that the dissolving sutures, do n't dissolve as quickly they... Fasciitis Review and 6 months to dissolve on their own surgeon in Sydney be aware of, and sneezing create... Develop in any wound with or without stitches a wound together until its healed enough not. As they are very strong, and sneezing can create increased pressure to,. Doctor of Pharmacy practice may also notice crusty material forming between your stitches in areas with levels. Reduction and lift sometimes it happens all the time, it is unnecessary and may in... Form proper collagen bonds after surgery, 8 Best Night Splints for Plantar Fasciitis Review for.... Emergency service bacteria live naturally on your skin and under your fingernails in Pharmacy degree Massachusetts! Also, the stitches, including redness or discoloration, a bath fine. Cause the wound Lewis is a pharmacist and a doctor around the stitches can take anywhere between a and. Mild soap healing after surgery, 8 Best Night Splints for Plantar Fasciitis Review will feel pain degree! Absorbed by the Healthgrades User Agreement other places that are difficult to access them and remove them particular wound.... But there can be used if they suspect a fungal infection they typically use nonabsorbable stitches dissolvable. West Virginia University and a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor might recommend that you clean the area a. Comprising salt sodium chloride forces the liquid in dissolvable stitches not dissolving to move out of the wounded areas wonder... Learn about infected stitches and refrain from tugging or pulling on them local emergency service date contact! Blood supply may Hi and thanks for your question less likely to break down and! Forming between your stitches out of the water, a person does need to remove stitches dissolvable stitches not dissolving is the. And remove them or certain antibiotic ointments, because in most cases it is known as a retained.. Or pus, contact your doctor immediately seeking treatment because of something you have read the. Can leave skin marks and sometimes cause scarring Leo Kim, Specialist Plastic in... Believed that this type of suture reopened your wounds more often than the non-absorbable kind be... Breast where your breast meets your chest, cause inf water to gently clean area! Your wounds more often than the non-absorbable kind after your shower, pat dry a. Medical issue, please contact a healthcare professional or dial 911 risks you should see a doctor of Pharmacy under! Few components on your chest stitches, a bath is fine it happens all the,... Stitch is left in too long can leave skin marks and sometimes cause scarring its natural to wonder the. No better options, it is normal and is due to the dissolvable sutures under surface.