Dissolvable Stitches Timeline: When Do They Fall Out?

Absorbable Suture Dissolution: What to Expect

Dissolvable (absorbable) sutures break down via hydrolysis or enzymatic action. Timing varies by material:

Material	Typical Absorption	Tensile Strength Loss
Fast-absorbing gut	7–10 days	5–7 days
Chromic gut	14–21 days	10–14 days
Polyglactin (Vicryl)	56–70 days	21–28 days
Polydioxanone (PDS)	180–210 days	42–56 days
Monocryl	90–120 days	14–21 days

Visible "Strings" at 5 Weeks

If you see plastic-like threads at 5 weeks, they are likely non-absorbable sutures (nylon, polypropylene) placed in the skin layer. These must be removed by a clinician (usually 7–14 days post-op). Do not pull them yourself.

Action Items

1. Contact your surgeon's office – schedule suture removal if needed.
2. Do not cut or pull visible material.
3. Keep area clean; watch for infection signs.

Your surgeon knows exactly what was used and when it should disappear or be removed.