What Are Absorbable Sutures Used For

Absorbable sutures provide temporary wound support until the wound heals well enough to withstand normal stress. Absorption occurs by enzymatic degradation in natural materials and by hydrolysis in synthetic materials. Hydrolysis causes less tissue reaction than enzymatic degradation.

Where are absorbable sutures used?

Ideal wound candidates for absorbable sutures include the following: Facial lacerations, where skin heals quickly and prolonged intact sutures may lead to a suboptimal cosmetic result. Percutaneous closure of lacerations under casts or splints. Closure of lacerations of the tongue or oral mucosa.

What are absorbable sutures?

‌Absorbable sutures, also known as dissolvable stitches, are sutures that can naturally dissolve and be absorbed by the body as a wound heals. Not all wounds are sealed with absorbable sutures. Doctors generally evaluate your wound to decide on the best types of sutures to use.