When we repair a wound, we sew your skin together like layers on a cake, aligning each layer. A deep layer of sutures, also known as stitches, is used under the skin to guide the healing process, and a top layer of sutures is used to close the skin. The deep sutures are primarily dissolving ones. Dissolvable sutures are usually clear in color, and permanent sutures are dark blue or black in color. Show Since all sutures are technically “foreign substances” the human body has a tendency to reject them. Ideally, this means the body breaks them down and dissolves them. Sometimes instead of dissolving the sutures, your body will push the suture out of your body. When it does this, we call it “spitting” a stitch. This happens quite commonly, and when a stitch does come out, it can come to the surface with an inflamed red spot. Usually you can feel something like fishing line around this area. If the suture does “spit,” it is not something to worry about. If you are able to grab it with tweezers, give it a gentle pull. Applying a warm moist compress to the area may help bring more of the suture to the surface. At that point, the surface material may be cut or trimmed away. After removal or trimming, clean the area with a little rubbing alcohol and then apply Vaseline. If the area is persistently irritated or is getting increasingly painful then you may require an office visit. Brandon Kirsch, MD FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist, as well as the founder of Kirsch Dermatology in Naples, Florida and the Chief of Dermatology at the Naples Community Hospital. Suturing is one of the most critical factors in a healthy recovery for surgery patients. Proper suturing is crucial for healing, infection prevention and in minimizing scarring. The fundamental purpose of suturing is to bring two soft tissues together, keeping them in place until they join; typically about ten days. Sutures fall into two main categories: absorbable and non-absorbable. As the name implies, absorbable sutures are absorbed by the tissues they are holding together, making removal unnecessary. Conversely, non-absorbable sutures are not absorbed. While they can be removed if used to close skin incisions, for stitches deep within the body they are often left indefinitely. Conventional materials for non-absorbable sutures are linen, cotton, silk, stainless steel wire, polyamide (nylon), polypropylene (Prolene) and polyethylene (courlene). Non-Absorbable Types, Advantages and Disadvantages
Multifilaments Vs. MonofilamentsSynthetic non-absorbable sutures are typically made of polyamide, polypropylene, and polyethylene. The combination of these three is often referred to as a multifilament. Monofilaments have a smoother texture, making them easier to handle and causing less tissue damage. Multifilaments have the advantage of being more flexible and easier to work with. However, their braided design makes them more prone to capturing bacteria. What happens if a non dissolvable stitch is left in?If left in too long, your skin may grow around and over the stitches. Then a doctor would need to dig out the stitches, which sounds horrible. That can lead to infections, which, again, not good.
Will non dissolvable stitches eventually dissolve?The material of absorbable sutures is designed to break down over time and dissolve. Nonabsorbable sutures must be removed. They won't dissolve.
How do you remove an embedded stitch?Using the tweezers, pull gently up on each knot. Slip the scissors into the loop, and snip the stitch. Gently tug on the thread until the suture slips through your skin and out. You may feel slight pressure during this, but removing stitches is rarely painful.
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