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A member asked:
How long do dissolving sutures last? i've had some for 10 days and they are really hard and the area is still tender. is this normal?
6 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Depends: Different dissolvable sutures take different lengths of time to dissolve. It is certainly common for them to take a month or longer. If there is a dissolvable suture poking out through the skin (not just hard underneath the skin) it may be reasonable to cut out that piece when you see your surgeon for follow up.
Answered 5/14/2015
5.3k views
Yes: Most absorbable sutures can last up to six weeks. This applies to most modern absorbable sutures.
Answered 10/4/2016
5.3k views
Depends on type and: Size of the dissolving suture chosen by your surgeon. There are fast-absorbing gut sutures that are gone in a few days, and synthetic sutures (in large sizes) designed to last for months. Most surgeons choose suture gauge and composition to "fit" the surgical job at hand, and how long strength is needed to maintain the repair. Dissolving sutures on the skin surface can dry out and persist; see md.
Answered 2/4/2013
5.3k views
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