What causes the sutures not to dissolve all the way? (Photo)

Thank you for your question. Dissolvable sutures can take up to couple months to dissolve. This will not interfere with anything.

Thanks for your inquiry, unfortunately suturing spitting is more common than you would imagine and you are managing well.  I do not think taking an enzyme supplement will help.  Good luck. 

Dear Meg6467,
I agree that extrusion of supposedly absorbable sutures does happen more commonly than patients would expect. It may be that there is simply a reaction to the material that is unique to different patients. Certainly, if there is any bacterial colonization on the sutures that would be another reason why it would extrude and form a “suture abscess”. It is important to keep the areas well cleansed and not to use caustic chemicals on the incisions such as Betadine, peroxide, alcohol, etc.

There are no supplements to take for this. It is simply a local healing problem.
I hope this has been of help.
Robert D. Wilcox, M.D.

Just the statistical reasons of averages. Suture dissolution occurs over a range of time. Up to 3 months is not unusual. Best to see your surgeon in person to discuss..// 

Not everyone dissolves these at the same rate. Average for most sutures is 6 weeks, but where they are knotted, it usually takes longer. Regular follow up with your surgeon is important. Not much else you can do or should do. These will dissolve or be picked out by your surgeon, and will become a dim memory when all is healed.Enjoy your result.All the best.