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What Are Dissolvable Stitches? Updated: Apr 19, Stitches, dissolvable or non-dissolvable, have three features: Advertisement. Thickness - Some stitches must be thin perhaps for a simple cut or plastic surgery, or a wound that needs to heal with less scarring , and others thicker perhaps for internal wounds where scarring isn't as worrisome, or so the stitch will last longer.
To make a thicker stitch, more of the material is woven together. For a thinner stitch, less material is woven together. Elasticity - Stitches on your knee need to be more elastic than those on your forearm, because your knee must be able to bend.
I previously wrote about how to take care of stitches also known as sutures. To check that out, click here! People from across America have e-mailed me lots of questions about dissolvable stitches. My personal suture cabinet. The bigger the number, the thinner the stitch is. Stitches come in different shapes and with different needle sizes. I will choose a thicker stitch if a wound has more tension on it. 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.
I will use a smaller suture on the outer layers of skin. Stitches can also tear or become loose, which may cause the wound to reopen. If this occurs, a person should see their doctor as soon as possible so that they can replace the stitches. People should seek immediate attention if they suspect that their wound may have become infected.
A person should also visit a doctor if their stitches pop, break, or come loose. Dissolvable stitches consist of materials that the body can break down and absorb.
They do not require a doctor to remove them and will eventually disappear on their own. Doctors tend to use dissolvable stitches for deeper wounds. For more superficial wounds, they usually prefer to use nonabsorbable stitches. Anyone who suspects that their wound has become infected should seek medical care as soon as possible.
To prevent infection and ensure proper wound healing, it is usually best for a healthcare professional to remove a person's stitches. However, with…. A person can typically treat first- and second-degree burns and scalds at home using certain household or over-the-counter products.
It is also…. Treating burn scars depends on the severity of the burn and how recently it occurred. The article examines the various types of burn scars, how to…. An open wound leaves internal tissue exposed. They require special care depending on the type of wound. A randomized, clinical trial conducted at three U. If you have breast cancer, your surgeon will remove the cancerous tumor , surrounding tissue, and possibly several lymph nodes. If they use dissolvable stitches, the stitches will be placed in areas where scarring can be reduced as much as possible.
Knee surgery, including knee replacement surgery , may use dissolvable stitches, nondissolvable stitches, or a combination of the two. In some instances, a line of dissolvable stitches will be used under the skin to reduce surface scarring. These stitches can take about six months to completely dissolve. Unless the wound has opened, is bleeding, or shows signs of infection, this is not cause for alarm. Unlike with permanent sutures, dissolvable ones are much less likely to create stitch reactions such as infection or granulomas.
You may be tempted to try to cut or pull the stitch out, but your wound may not have fully healed. Let your doctor know about your concerns. Also, ask your doctor how long the dissolvable stitches are designed to remain intact for your specific procedure. If more time than that has passed, they may recommend you come in to have the stitch snipped or can let you know if you can remove it yourself. Dissolvable stitches that poke through the skin may fall off themselves, perhaps in the shower from the force of the water or by rubbing against the fabric of your clothing.
If you doctor approves, make sure to use sterilized equipment, such as a surgical scissor , and to wash your hands thoroughly.
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