how long do stitches stay in
For most people, stitches stay in about 5–14 days, depending on the body part and whether they’re dissolvable or need to be removed by a doctor.
Quick Scoop: How Long Do Stitches Stay In?
- Non‑dissolvable skin stitches are usually removed within 5–14 days.
- Dissolvable (absorbable) stitches typically last 1–2 weeks , but some types can take weeks to a few months to fully dissolve.
- Exact timing depends on:
- Where the wound is
- How deep it is
- Your general health and healing speed.
Typical time frames by body area
| Body area | Typical time before removal |
|---|---|
| Face | 3–5 days (sometimes up to 5–7 days) |
| Scalp | 7–10 days |
| Arms / legs | 10–14 days |
| Over joints (knee, elbow, etc.) | 10–14 days |
| Chest, abdomen, back | 7–14 days |
| Inside the mouth / oral surgery (usually dissolvable) | Often 2–7 days, some types up to ~2 weeks or more to dissolve |
Dissolvable vs. Non‑dissolvable
- Dissolvable stitches
- Used inside the body, in the mouth, and sometimes in small skin wounds.
* Most start to dissolve in **1–2 weeks** , but the suture material can remain for **several weeks to months** depending on the type.
* You usually don’t need them removed, though a clinician may trim or remove them if they irritate the skin.
- Non‑dissolvable stitches
- Placed on the surface of the skin and must be removed by a professional, often around 10–14 days , sometimes sooner in delicate areas like the face.
Think of stitches as temporary scaffolding: they stay just long enough for the wound edges to seal and hold on their own.
Why Timing Matters
- Too early removal
- Wound can reopen or “split,” increasing infection risk and making the scar worse.
- Too late removal
- Stitches can become harder to pull out and may leave more noticeable track marks or scarring.
- Doctors aim for that middle window where the wound is strong enough to stay closed, but the stitches haven’t started causing extra irritation.
Signs Your Stitches Are Healing Well
- Wound edges look closed and held together without gaps.
- Redness and swelling are mild and gradually improving.
- No pus, foul smell, or spreading redness.
- Pain is slowly decreasing instead of getting worse.
If all of that is true and you’re near your scheduled removal day, that’s usually a good sign the timing is right.
Warning Signs: Call a Doctor Urgently If
- Stitches split open or the wound suddenly widens.
- Redness is spreading, skin feels hot, or swelling is increasing.
- There is thick yellow/green discharge, bad smell, or increasing pain.
- You develop fever, chills, or feel very unwell (possible spreading infection).
Do not cut or remove stitches yourself at home, even if they “look ready.”
Quick “What Should I Do?” Guide
- Check your discharge papers or aftercare sheet for the exact removal date.
- If you’re within that window and everything looks calm, keep the area clean and dry as instructed until your appointment.
- If you’re past the suggested day and stitches are still in, call your clinic to ask if they should be removed.
- If you see any of the warning signs above, seek medical care as soon as possible.
TL;DR: Stitches on the skin usually come out in about 5–14 days , depending on where they are, while dissolvable stitches often break down over 1–2 weeks but can last longer. Always follow the timeline and instructions from the clinician who put them in.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
