From the Guidelines
It is completely normal for dissolving stitches to fall off as they break down and get absorbed by the body. Dissolving stitches, also known as absorbable sutures, are designed to gradually break down in the body over time, typically within a few weeks to several months depending on the type used 1. As they dissolve, you might notice pieces of the stitches coming loose or falling off the wound site. This process happens as your body heals and the stitches are no longer needed to hold the wound together. Some key points to consider about dissolving stitches include:
- They are made of materials that break down at different rates, such as chromic gut, polyglycolic acid (Dexon), or polyglactin (Vicryl) 1.
- The use of absorbable subcuticular sutures can provide a better seal, preventing bacterial invasion of the surgical wound, and may result in lower rates of superficial wound dehiscence compared to non-absorbable sutures 1.
- If you notice stitches falling off but your wound appears well-healed with no signs of infection, this is typically normal.
- However, if your wound opens up when stitches fall off, or if you develop signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge, you should contact your healthcare provider promptly for evaluation.
From the Research
Dissolving Stitches
- Dissolving stitches, also known as absorbable sutures, are designed to break down and absorb by the body over time 2.
- The provided studies do not directly address whether it is normal for dissolving stitches to fall off.
- However, it can be inferred that dissolving stitches are intended to degrade and be absorbed by the body, which may involve them falling off or being broken down by the body's natural processes.
Suture-Related Complications
- Suture-associated surgical site infection (SSI) is a potential complication of surgical interventions 2, 3.
- The use of antimicrobial sutures has been explored as a means of reducing the risk of SSI 2, 3.
- However, the provided studies do not specifically address the normal behavior of dissolving stitches or whether it is normal for them to fall off.
Wound Healing and Sutures
- Sutures play an important role in facilitating wound healing and ensuring the success of surgical interventions 2.
- The provided studies focus on the prevention of surgical site infections and the use of antimicrobial sutures, rather than the normal behavior of dissolving stitches.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest whether it is normal for dissolving stitches to fall off or not.