I'm fascinated with some of the answers from othe surgeons. Okay here is some useful information. The three sutures typically used by plastic surgeons are PDS, Monocryl and Vicryl. PDS and Monocryl are probably the most used.
Monocryl has a short "half-life" as far as strength is concerned losing half of its strength by the end of one week. However, it isn't fully hydrolized or dissolved for 3-4 months.
PDS is longer lasting with 50% loss of tensile strenght by 28 days but is isn't fully hydrolized for 6-7 months.
Vicryl's tensitle strength is approximately 50% between 2-3 weeks and is fully dissovled by 2.5-3.5 months.
When we bury suture and tie it the ends of the suture can "spit" or poke out of the skin. This usually happens around the 4-6 week mark. Removal of the suture at that time has no effect on surgical outcome and is easily removed in the office.
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