How long does it take for stitches to dissolve?

In most cases, dissolvable stitches or absorbable sutures dissolve within 1 to 2 weeks after the surgery. However, the stitches can require additional weeks or months to disappear completely.

Stitches vary in strength as well as in the time they take to dissolve completely. Some stitches dissolve in 7 days while others take more than 10 days. In these 7-10 days, a patient must care for the stitches properly in order to allow the wound to heal. The loose ends of the stitches can be removed by the nurse or the doctor once the wound heals and most of the stitches dissolve internally.