How long do dissolvable sutures take to dissolve?

Most dissolvable sutures take between one and two weeks to dissolve. Depending on the materials they contain however, dissolvable sutures may take much longer to dissolve.

Doctors use dissolvable sutures most commonly to seal either deep surgical wounds or surface wounds. Dissolvable sutures used on surface wounds dissolve faster than those used on deeper surgical wounds do. Enzymes in the body and the process of hydrolysis both work to dissolve this type of suture. Dissolvable sutures keep the wound closed until it heals completely, and then they slowly disappear. Besides dissolvable sutures, doctors and surgeons use traditional sutures, clips and staples to close serious wounds.