How long does it take for threads to dissolve after surgery?

During surgery, absorbable sutures are increasingly being applied - the so-called threads, which perform a fixing function: they hold damaged tissues and promote their healing. How long such threads depends on several factors - the place of their application, the individual characteristics of the body, but the main one is the material for making the base of the threads.

What are absorbable sutures

This is the name of the retaining threads, which lose their fixing properties for up to 4 months. In surgical practice, the following types of absorbable sutures are most often used:

• Catgut is an organic type of thread, the material for the manufacture of which is cow intestines. At the same time, it is the longest absorbable - catgut "keeps" up to 4 months;
• Lavsan - synthetic threads based on polyesters. They are used when long-term fixation is not required, since the material is rapidly losing its holding power;
• Vicryl is another representative of synthetic sutures that are actively used in medicine, including cosmetics.

In addition to those mentioned, there are many other types of materials used. Their choice depends on the type of intervention performed and the mobility of the tissues in the area of ​​the operation, so only a doctor can individually select the threads, which subsequently will not leave scars, but will dissolve in a short time.

The main factors contributing to the self-destruction of such threads in human tissues are called:

• Chemical reactions of the body based on the interaction of proteins;
• Chemical reactions of a material with water contained in the human body.

It is they who provoke the dissolution of postoperative threads, which are used to tighten surgical tissue incisions for a short time.

When to use absorbable sutures

This type of medical materials is used for suturing surgical wounds: such manipulations are carried out both on the surface of the skin, during cosmetic operations, and in deep layers of tissues, for example, during transplantation of internal organs.

The main function of such sutures is to maintain the internal tissues in a stable state until they fuse and begin to function without outside support.

Absorbable sutures are also advisable in cases where the patient will not be able to return to the surgeon to remove the superimposed staples, clamps or sutures made of durable materials.

The most common use of absorbable sutures in gynecology is to close the perineum, tears in the vagina or cervix during natural childbirth. Studies have shown that in the postpartum period, the threads removed themselves within 2-4 months.

How long does it take for threads to dissolve after surgery?

To understand how many days the threads dissolve , you first need to ask your surgeon what material was used for suturing. The doctor will not only clarify the information you are interested in, but also advise how long it will take for the complete resorption of the sutures. Only a specialist can competently evaluate this process, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

, to navigate in how long the threads dissolve, you need to look at the threads used during the operation:

• Catgut begins to lose its fixing properties after a month, while the threads finally dissolve only by the end of the 4th month of wound healing;
• Lavsan is often used in cosmetology, since the material begins to break down as early as 10-12 days, but this process can take up to 1.5 months;
• Vicryl has an average degree of resorption: the threads lose their strength after 2-3 months.

At the same time, it is worth making an allowance for the correct care of the postoperative wound according to the scheme recommended by the observing surgeon. If it is not properly processed and the rules of personal hygiene are neglected, healing may be delayed, and the process of resorption of the sutures will be aggravated.

How to care for absorbable sutures

Having dealt with the question of how long the threads dissolve , it is important to understand how to properly care for the suture after the operation, so that the healing proceeds safely, the threads are safely rejected, while as quickly as possible, and there are no scars left at the intervention site.

Pay attention to the following most important rules for the care of postoperative sutures:

1. The most important point is the sterility of all manipulations. Before treating a wound, be sure to wash your hands, and thoroughly disinfect all tools.
2. Depending on the nature of the sutured wound, it must be treated with an antiseptic - brilliant green, Fukortsin, potassium permanganate solution, hydrogen peroxide, medical alcohol. What exactly to use, it is better to check with the observing surgeon. You may have to combine medications and use with anti-inflammatory ointments.
3. During water procedures, eliminate friction, the wound can only be washed with warm water or a decoction of herbs.
4. If we talk about postpartum stitches, then it is imperative to observe intimate hygiene - this will prevent complications.

So, in order to find out how long it will take for the successful resorption of superimposed sutures after surgery, you first need to find out the material from which they are made. It is also worth taking into account the individual characteristics of the body: if you have a tendency to long-term healing wounds, then be prepared for the fact that the complete resorption of postoperative threads can take up to six months, especially if organic materials were used during wound suturing.