Dissolvable stitches are used in most cosmetic surgery procedures, including breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction. Unlike traditional sutures, they don’t need to be removed by a doctor. But that doesn’t mean recovery is completely hands-off.
Questions about stitches are some of the most common concerns we hear from patients in the days after surgery. Here’s what you need to know.
Summary
External skin stitches are usually removed within 1-2 weeks. Internal stitches can take several months to fully absorb. Both are normal. Never pull a loose stitch yourself. If something looks off after surgery, COS MEDCONNECT‘s care team is available to help.
What Are Dissolvable Stitches Made Of?
Dissolvable stitches, also called absorbable sutures, are made from materials your body can break down naturally over time. Some are made from animal-based proteins, like collagen. Others use synthetic polymers that absorb gradually as the tissue heals.
This matters in cosmetic surgery because incisions go through multiple tissue layers, not just the skin. Absorbable sutures allow surgeons to close each layer from the inside, which supports healing and helps reduce visible scarring at the surface.
Do Dissolvable Stitches Actually Dissolve, or Just Fall Out?
Lots of people come out of surgery wondering the same thing: are these stitches going to fall out, or do they actually dissolve? The short answer is: a bit of both, and that’s completely normal.
Stitches placed deep inside the tissue dissolve quietly on their own. You won’t see or feel them go. Stitches closer to the skin surface may loosen and shed as threads over time. Both are part of the same healing process.
So if you notice a small thread on your dressing or skin, that’s not a sign something has gone wrong. It’s actually a sign your body is doing its job.
How Long Do Dissolvable Stitches Take to Dissolve?
The timeline varies depending on the type of suture material used, where the stitches are placed, and how your body heals individually.
As a general guide:
- External skin stitches are usually removed within 1-2 weeks
- Internal stitches can take anywhere from 6 weeks to a few months to fully absorb
According to Healthdirect Australia, dissolvable sutures disappear naturally within a week or two, though some may take several months. Your surgeon will give you a more accurate estimate based on your specific procedure. If you’re unsure, always check with your care team rather than assuming.
How to Care for Your Stitches: Post-Operative Wound Care
Healthdirect Australia recommends keeping stitches clean and dry, especially for the first 48 hours, and patting the area dry immediately after any water exposure.
Proper post-operative wound care makes a real difference to how your stitches heal and how your scar fades over time. Your surgical team will give you specific instructions, but these are the general principles:
- Keep the area clean and dry. Moisture can slow healing and increase infection risk.
- Pat the area gently after any water exposure. Do not rub.
- Do not pick, scratch, or touch the stitches, even if they feel itchy.
- Avoid baths, swimming, and submerging the area until your surgeon says it’s safe.
- Do not apply creams, oils, or scar products unless your surgeon has specifically approved them.
- Avoid physical activity that stretches or pulls at the incision site.
Once your surgeon confirms the incision has fully closed, usually 6-8 weeks post-surgery depending on the procedure, you may be cleared to begin scar management. This can include silicone sheets, approved topical gels, or sun protection over the area.
Your surgeon will advise on timing specific to your procedure and skin type. Starting too early can disrupt healing, so always wait for clearance before applying anything.
What’s Normal and What’s Not
Knowing the difference between normal healing and something that needs attention can save you a lot of unnecessary worry.
These are normal:
- A stitch poking slightly through the skin surface
- A loose thread or shed suture on your dressing
- Mild redness or swelling in the first few days
- Slight itchiness around the incision
These need attention:
- Redness that is spreading or getting worse after the first few days
- Warmth, oozing, or pus around the incision
- Fever
- The wound reopening or separating
- A stitch that has not dissolved after several months
This last point is worth explaining. It can happen when the body reacts to the suture material rather than absorbing it, or when a small piece works its way to the surface before fully breaking down.
If you notice a firm lump, persistent redness, or a visible thread after 3-4 months, contact your care team. It is usually straightforward to manage, but it does need to be assessed.
And one more important point: never pull a loose or protruding stitch out yourself. Even if it looks like it’s barely attached, removing it can reopen the wound, increase infection risk, and affect how your scar heals. Take a photo and send it to your care team for guidance instead.
Are Dissolvable Stitches Better Than Regular Stitches?
Not better or worse. They serve different purposes.
Traditional stitches are often used on the outer skin surface and removed by a clinician once the wound has closed. Dissolvable stitches are preferred for internal tissue layers because they eliminate the need for a second procedure to remove them.
In cosmetic surgery, surgeons often use a combination of both, depending on the procedure and incision location. For example, in a tummy tuck or breast augmentation, dissolvable stitches are typically used on deeper tissue layers while the skin surface may be closed differently. The decision is made by your surgeon based on what gives your wound the best healing conditions.
Recovery Support with COS MEDCONNECT
Questions about stitches are one of the most common things patients reach out about after returning home. At COS MEDCONNECT, our care team is available to help you navigate your recovery, including any concerns about your wound or sutures.
If something looks off or you’re not sure whether what you’re seeing is normal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can also explore our recovery packages for additional post-surgery support options.
COS MEDCONNECT – Australia’s cosmetic surgery coordinator in Vietnam
COS MEDCONNECT is an Australian-owned medical tourism company that coordinates cosmetic surgery procedures in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The company connects Australian patients with qualified surgeons, managing the full patient journey from online consultation and travel logistics through to post-operative recovery support.
Website: cosmedconnect.com
Email: hello@cosmedconnect.com
Instagram: @cos_medconnect
Facebook: facebook.com/cosmedconnect
FAQ
Are dissolvable stitches better than normal stitches?
They serve different purposes. Dissolvable stitches are preferred for internal tissue layers in cosmetic surgery because the body absorbs them naturally. Your surgeon will determine which type is appropriate for each layer of your incision.
Can I pull a dissolvable stitch out?
No. Even if a stitch feels loose or is poking out, do not pull or cut it yourself. This can reopen the wound and increase the risk of infection. Take a photo and contact your care team for advice.
Do dissolvable stitches actually dissolve or just fall out?
Both can happen, and both are normal. Deep internal stitches dissolve gradually without you noticing. Surface stitches may loosen and shed as threads. This is all part of the healing process.
Do dissolvable stitches go on their own?
Yes, they are designed to be absorbed by the body without any intervention. Most surface stitches shed within 1-2 weeks. Internal stitches may take several weeks to a few months to fully dissolve.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All surgical procedures carry risks and outcomes vary between individuals. Always follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon and contact your care team if you have any concerns during your recovery.
COS MEDCONNECT does not provide medical advice or perform surgical procedures. We coordinate cosmetic surgery and recovery services with third-party providers. All patients are encouraged to verify surgeon credentials independently and seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner before proceeding with any elective surgery.
Jane is the founder of COS MEDCONNECT. She enjoys sharing knowledge about cosmetic surgery and is passionate about helping people find trusted providers
