How long does it take for transparent stitches to dissolve?

Question

I'm saying transparent because I recently had a breast lift done, and I can actually feel the Stitch sticking out and i can see it. And is transparent good to use on the breast. If not what part of the body is it used for?

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Different stitches dissolve at different rates - The manufacturers give a half life time  - i.e. the time for half the stitch to dissolve. This half life time can vary usually between 5 days and 30 days depending on what has been used. I would ask your PS what has been used and from this one can work out the half life and the potential time required for the stitches to dissolve.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Transparent stitches are used internally and can take up to 3 months to dissolve; just show them to your surgeon who can decide if it is ok for them to be pulled out.

Edward J. Domanskis, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

The longer the stitches don't dissolve the more support it provides for the would and the better the eventual scar should be. I would recommend ScaRxtape for support of the wound after surgery or injury.

James Clayton, MD (retired) · Answer

A surgical stitch sticking out after a breast lift operation can be removed by your surgeon.  A "transparent" stitch can either be a permanent suture which will not dissolve or an absorbable suture which can dissolve if it is beneath the surface of the skin.  When any stitch is sticking out following surgery it should be removed to allow proper healing to occur.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Some of the sutures used are dissolvable.  They are usually white in color.  The clear sutures are nylon and they are permanent.  You mentioned seeing a stitch.  Follow up with your surgeon for removal.

How long does it take for transparent stitches to dissolve?

Answers (5)

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