Sutures after wisdom tooth removal are applied very often, because this event, as a rule, is equated to an operation. Removing the eight can sometimes be very difficult. As a result, you have to cut the gum and sew it up after extracting the tooth.
The seams vary greatly in quality. They may resolve on their own or require specialist action in the future. In any case, after the operation it is necessary to check with the dental surgeon exactly what type of threads was used. But when the right approach the specialist himself, without reminding the patient, will inform about the need for the next visit to remove the stitches.
Sutures are often used when removing a large dental problem such as a wisdom tooth. It is very difficult to rid the patient of this element without damaging the gums, so it is often necessary to additionally stitch the tissue.
Even with the most careful work of a dentist, it is difficult to get rid of a wisdom tooth without problems. It is located very deeply and is attached to the gum by two roots at once. To remove the outer teeth, the surgeon makes 1 or 2 incisions in the gum (see pictures below). After this, careful extraction is performed.
When wisdom teeth are removed, there is often a need for sutures. They can be applied even if there are signs of swelling on the gum. Tissue swelling is a completely natural process after trauma to the gums through incisions.
If the specialist applies the stitches correctly, the wounds should heal well. In this case, there should not be severe bleeding, since the first blood clot will not be displaced due to the sutures.
This procedure is also a preventive method, since the wound is closed and the risks of penetration of pathogenic microorganisms, of which there are quite a lot in the oral cavity, are minimized. That is, the smaller the wound, the less often it becomes infected and the faster it heals.
Oksana Shiyka
Dentist-therapist
Regardless of what threads the dentist uses, suturing does not take much time. And yet, self-absorbing materials are more convenient, because in this case there will be no additional trauma to the body.
The quality of the scar and the wound healing time after wisdom tooth removal depend not only on how the suture is applied, but also on possible complications. Removing the last tooth is one of the most difficult dental operations, so additional complications are not excluded.
For difficult removal, sutures can be placed like this.
It is worth noting that when the removal of a wisdom tooth occurs without complications, and the doctor uses ordinary materials for suturing, the threads can be removed within a week. However, a specialist must first assess the condition of the oral cavity and exclude the development of pathology. Only after this will it become clear whether the stitches can be removed or whether they should be left in place for more complete healing of the wound.
How long does it take for threads to dissolve?
Special threads for suturing are very convenient, since when using them there is no need to further injure the surgical site. But not all patients know how long they need to wait for the process of thread resorption to complete.
Oksana Shiyka
Dentist-therapist
As a rule, if high-quality suture material is used, not a trace will remain of it within 20–30 days after the operation.
It should be noted that the threads simply fall apart, and then the person unnoticed swallows them. There is no discomfort or danger if thread residues enter the stomach.
The advantage of using such material for suturing is that with them there is no need for an additional trip to the doctor. However, a week or two after surgery to remove a wisdom tooth, you should still visit the dentist to make sure that the surgical intervention did not lead to complications, for example, to an inflammatory process.
The exact time after which the seams will completely disappear is impossible to determine. But approximate dates There is still one for each type of material.
In medical practice, 2 types of threads are widely used:
- The first type, namely classic catgut, has been used for decades. This material has been used for more than a century, but in Lately it began to be replaced by new types of fixatives. Classic threads can hold seams from 10 to 140 days. Over time, enzymes will begin to attack them, which will lead to their complete breakdown and elimination by the body. Nowadays, catgut is very often used when removing wisdom teeth. This operation is rarely done without stitches, but if you put them in, it’s very difficult to remove them. Absorbable sutures will be very useful.
Oksana Shiyka
Dentist-therapist
But it must be borne in mind that catgut cannot be used in situations where the risks of complications and inflammatory processes are very high.
- More modern materials, which are now used for suturing are synthetic threads such as Dexon and Vicryl. They are based on polyglycomic acid and polyclatin. It is convenient to create knots with such threads, which simplifies the surgeon’s work. Resorption synthetic materials occurs through hydrolysis. It takes about a month for stitches of this type to completely disappear. Vicryl dissolves much faster than Dexon.
Oksana Shiyka
Dentist-therapist
The advantage of synthetic thread is that it can be used to suture even in areas where the risk of complications is high. Vicryl and Dexon do not cause inflammation, so they can be used during any operations, even the most complex ones.
In any case, the patient must visit the doctor a week or two after the removal of the wisdom tooth. When using synthetic threads and the complete absence of complications, dentists try to get rid of stitches before they dissolve on their own.
Possible complications
This element itself is very complex, and its removal often provokes additional problems in treatment. Therefore, if severe discomfort appears at the suture site a couple of days after the operation, you should consult a doctor. This may be severe pain or increased swelling. By the third day, postoperative swelling should subside. If it increases by this time, most likely we are talking about the development of complications.
Trouble may also arise with bleeding. Small amounts of blood in saliva in the first day after tooth extraction are considered quite normal. If the bleeding is severe and does not go away for several days, you should definitely consult a dentist. Most likely, the stitches will have to be re-stitched.
In some cases, for example, during surgery or after childbirth, absorbable sutures are required. For this purpose it is used special material. There are many types of absorbable sutures. The healing time of such wounds depends on many factors. So how long do self-dissolving sutures take to dissolve?
Main types of seams
To answer this question, it is necessary to clarify what the main types of seams exist. Typically this is:
- Internal. Such sutures are applied to injuries resulting from mechanical impact. Certain types of tissue are used to connect tissue at the site of the tear. Such self-absorbing sutures heal quite quickly. They are often placed on the cervix of women after childbirth. IN in this case anesthesia is not required, since this part of the reproductive organ is devoid of sensitivity.
- External. They can also be applied using absorbable material. After childbirth, such sutures are made when there is a rupture or dissection of the perineum, as well as after operations. If regular material is used, it must be removed 5-7 days after surgery.
It is worth considering that self-absorbing sutures can heal after several weeks. It all depends on the type of material and its composition.
What are absorbable sutures
Self-absorbing sutures are almost always applied. It is extremely rare that surgical material that is resistant to hydrolysis is used for wound healing. Sutures that lose their strength after 60 days are considered absorbable. The threads dissolve as a result of exposure to:
- Enzymes that are present in the tissues of the human body. In other words, these are proteins that control and accelerate the occurrence of chemical reactions.
- Water. This chemical reaction is called hydrolysis. In this case, the threads are destroyed under the influence of water, which is present in the human body.
Synthetic braided polyglycolide thread "MedPGA"
Analogues of such surgical material are “Safil”, “Polysorb”, “Vicryl”.
Self-absorbing sutures after surgery or after childbirth can be applied using MedPGA thread. This surgical material is made on the basis of polyhydroxyacetylic acid. These threads are coated with an absorbable polymer. This is required to reduce wicking and capillarity, as well as to reduce the sawing effect that occurs when the material is passed through tissue.
How long does it take for the MedPGA thread to dissolve?
Self-absorbing sutures applied using MedPGA thread undergo hydrolytic disintegration, which is strictly controlled. It is worth noting that this material is quite durable. After 18 days, the threads retain up to 50% of their strength properties.
Complete resorption of the surgical material occurs only after 60-90 days. At the same time, the reaction of body tissues to MedPGA threads is insignificant.
It is worth noting that such surgical material is widely used for suturing all tissues, with the exception of those under tension, as well as long time don't heal. Most often, MedPGA threads are used in thoracic and abdominal surgery, gynecology, urology, plastic surgery and orthopedics. However, it is not used on nervous and cardiovascular tissues.
Synthetic braided polyglycolide thread "MedPGA-R"
Analogs of such surgical material are Safil Quick and Vicryl Rapid.
"MedPGA-R" is synthetic thread, made on the basis of polygliglactin-910. This surgical material is coated with a special absorbable polymer. This reduces friction as the thread passes through body tissue, and also reduces wicking and capillarity. Thanks to this surgical material, self-absorbing sutures can be applied.
How long does it take for MedPGA-R threads to dissolve?
"MedPGA-R" is a material that is susceptible to hydrolytic decomposition. Such threads are quite strong. After five days, 50% of their strength properties are retained. Complete resorption occurs only on day 40-50. It is worth noting that the tissue reaction to the MedPGA-R surgical material is insignificant. In addition, threads do not cause allergies.
This material is used for suturing mucous membranes, skin, soft fabrics, as well as in situations where short-term wound support is needed. However, there are exceptions. Such threads are not used on nervous and cardiovascular tissues.
Synthetic braided polyglycolide thread “MedPGA-910”
Analogs of such surgical material are “Safil”, “Polysorb”, “Vicryl”.
"MedPGA-910" is an absorbable thread made on the basis of polygliglactin-910. The surgical material is also treated with a special coating, which reduces the “sawing” effect as the material passes through tissue, as well as reduces capillarity and wicking.
Resorption time of "MedPGA-910"
So, when do self-absorbing sutures applied using the surgical material “MedPGA-910” dissolve? Such threads have a high strength index. However, they also undergo hydrolytic degradation. After 18 days, the surgical material can retain up to 75% of its strength properties, after 21 days - up to 50%, after 30 days - up to 25%, and after 70 days, complete resorption of the threads occurs.
This product is used for suturing soft tissues that are not under tension, as well as those that heal quickly, in plastic, thoracic and abdominal surgery, gynecology, urology and orthopedics. MedPGA-910 should not be used when suturing nervous and cardiovascular tissues.
Monofilament "PDO"
There are not many analogues of such surgical material. This is Biosin, as well as PDS II. Such threads are characterized by a high level of biological inertness, are non-wicking and non-capillary, hydrophobic, do not injure tissue when passing through them, are elastic, quite strong, knit well and hold a knot.
How long does it take for monofilaments to dissolve?
PDO monofilaments are hydrolyzable. As a result of this process, dihydroxyethoxyacetic acid is formed, which is completely eliminated from the body. 2 weeks after suturing, the surgical material retains up to 75% strength. Complete dissolution of the threads occurs within 180-210 days.
As for the scope of application, the surgical material “PDO” is used for suturing and connecting soft tissues of any type, including for suturing cardiovascular tissues of the child’s body, which are subject to further growth. However, there are exceptions. Monofilaments are not suitable for suturing tissues that require wound support for up to 6 weeks, as well as those that are subject to heavy loads. Suture material should not be used when installing implants, artificial heart valves, or synthetic vascular prostheses.
So how long will it take for the stitches to dissolve?
Next, we will consider everything about what self-absorbing sutures are after childbirth: when they dissolve, do they require care. Do not forget that the timing of wound healing and complete disappearance of threads is influenced by many factors. First of all, you need to know what raw materials the surgical material is made from. In most cases, the threads begin to dissolve 7-14 days after suturing. To speed up the process, a healthcare professional may remove the nodules after the wound has healed. To determine the timing of thread resorption, you should check with your doctor:
- What stitches were placed?
- What material were the threads made from?
- Approximate time frame for dissolution of suture material.
In conclusion
Self-absorbing threads are often used when suturing surgical wounds that are located in the deep layers of tissue, as well as on the surface of the skin. For example, during organ transplantation.
The same surgical material is used to stitch up wounds and tears received during childbirth. At the same time, a lot of research has been carried out. Their results showed that suture material made from polyglycolic acid completely disappeared after only four months, and material based on polyglactin after three. In this case, self-absorbing sutures will hold the edges of the wound until it is completely healed, and then gradually begin to collapse. If the threads persist for a long time and cause discomfort, then you should seek help from a surgeon or attending physician.
It depends on what material they are made of. Most absorbable sutures will begin to dissolve within 1-2 weeks. However, it may take several months for complete resorption. After the surgical wound has healed, the nurse may remove the remaining suture ends to speed up the process.
Ask your surgeon or healthcare provider:
- what stitches did you get;
- How long will they take to dissolve?
What are dissolvable sutures?
Sutures are considered absorbable if they lose almost all of their strength within 60 days. Suture threads dissolve under the influence of the following factors:
- enzymes found in body tissue (enzymes are proteins that speed up and control the body's chemical reactions);
- hydrolysis (chemical reaction with water contained in the body).
What material are absorbable sutures made from?
Absorbable sutures are most often made from the following materials:
- polyglactin: loses approximately 25% of its strength after two weeks, 50% after three, completely resolves in 3 months;
- polyglycolic acid: loses approximately 40% of its strength after one week, 95% after four, completely dissolves in 3-4 months.
There are several other types of suture threads. On average, absorbable sutures should begin to disintegrate within four weeks. Some materials completely dissolve after six months.
When are absorbable sutures used?
Absorbable sutures are used for suturing surgical wounds located on the surface of the skin and in deeper layers of tissue. They are usually used to close surgical wounds located deep under the surface of the skin. For example, they can be used during heart surgery or organ transplantation.
Absorbable sutures are also used to close wounds on the surface of the skin. For example, they can be used after childbirth to stitch up a tear in the perineum (the area of skin between the vagina and anus).
According to the results of one study, polyglactin sutures used for perineal rupture dissolved after three months, and polyglycolic acid sutures - after four.
Absorbable sutures will connect the edges of the wound until it is completely healed, and then gradually dissolve.
If they continue to cause you discomfort after the wound has healed, make an appointment with your surgeon. He will carefully remove the remaining seam ends.
What else is used when stitching wounds?
Other methods used when suturing wounds:
- non-absorbable sutures;
- clamps;
- staples.
They should be removed by your healthcare provider once the wound has begun to heal.
- home
- Recovery after childbirth
- Self-absorbing sutures
Self-absorbing threads are often used during surgical interventions, including after childbirth. To apply such sutures, various materials are used that dissolve on their own over a certain period of time (catgut, lavsan, vicryl).
When to apply self-absorbable sutures
information Self-absorbing sutures after childbirth are in most cases used for ruptures of the internal genital organs (vagina, cervix), because access to these organs is difficult and will be easier if there is no need to subsequently remove sutures there.
For ruptures and cuts in the perineum, various sutures can be applied: both self-absorbing ones and those requiring the removal of threads.
Suture dissolution time
The resorption time of sutures depends on the threads with which it was made:
- Catgut. The resorption time depends on the diameter of the thread and the place of its application and ranges from 30 to 120 days;
- Lavsan. There are threads with different resorption periods (from 10-12 days to 40-50 days);
- Vicryl(60-90 days).
Complications of postpartum wounds
The main complications of sutures in the postpartum period are failure (divergence) of the sutures and their suppuration (infection).
Seam divergence
Failure of internal sutures (on the cervix and in the vagina) is extremely rare. Basically, the divergence of the external sutures applied to the perineum occurs.
The main reasons for the divergence of the wound on the perineum:
- Early sitting down;
- Sudden movements;
- Sex life;
- Suture infection.
Signs of seam dehiscence:
- Pain in the wound area;
- The appearance of wound bleeding;
- Painful swelling;
- Temperature rise(if infected);
- Feeling of heaviness and fullness in the area of the postoperative wound(indicates an accumulation of blood - a hematoma).
Wound infection
In most cases, wound infection occurs due to non-compliance with personal hygiene rules and improper care behind the seams.
The main signs of purulent-inflammatory complications of sutures in the perineum are:
- Heat;
- Hyperemia(redness) of the wound area;
- Soreness;
- The appearance of purulent discharge from the sutures.
At the first sign of complications, you should immediately contact your obstetrician-gynecologist for help. The doctor will carry out the necessary procedures and prescribe treatment.
Caring for stitches after childbirth
remember Sutures placed on the vagina and cervix do not require additional processing: a woman just has to follow the rules of personal hygiene to prevent the development of purulent-inflammatory complications. Sutures in the perineum, on the contrary, require increased attention and careful adherence by the mother to all recommendations.
Precautionary measures:
- You should not sit for a week after giving birth(a longer time limit is possible). A woman is only allowed to lie down and stand. Then you can gradually sit down on a soft surface (pillow) with one buttock, and then with the whole one. Avoid sitting on hard surfaces for 3 weeks;
- It is strictly forbidden to use shapewear, pressing on the perineum;
- On the first day after childbirth, you should try to delay the act of defecation.: a woman should not eat a lot; be sure to avoid products that have a strengthening effect;
- Refusal early start sexual life. You should start having sex no earlier than 2 months after giving birth.
Seam processing technique:
- Treatment with antiseptic solution(in most cases brilliant green). In the maternity hospital, the sutures are processed by a midwife 1-2 times a day on a gynecological chair. At home, a woman should deal with the wound area independently with the help of relatives or go to see an obstetrician-gynecologist at the antenatal clinic every day for a week;
- Physiotherapy(ultraviolet irradiation of the wound). Continuation of the procedures is possible at home with the help of special lamps.
Maintaining personal hygiene:
- Change sanitary pads at least every 2 hours;
- Wear only loose underwear made from natural fabrics or special disposable panties;
- Carry out genital hygiene with baby soap 2 times a day, after which thoroughly wipe the perineum with a clean towel and treat with an antiseptic solution;
- Wash with warm water every 2 hours(it is possible to use medicinal herbs– chamomile, calendula);
- Wash your genitals after every visit to the toilet.
No matter how careful and experienced the surgeon is, no matter what modern suture materials he uses, a scar inevitably remains at the site of any surgical incision - a special structure made of connective (fibrous) tissue. The process of its formation is divided into 4 sequential stages, and significant internal changes after fusion of the wound edges continue for at least another year, and sometimes much longer - up to 5 years.
What happens at this time in our body? How to speed up healing, and what needs to be done at each stage to ensure that the scar remains as thin and invisible as possible?TecRussia.ru explains in detail and gives useful recommendations:
Stage 1: epithelization of the skin wound
It begins immediately as soon as the damage is received (in our case, a surgical incision) and continues for 7-10 days.
- Immediately after injury, inflammation and swelling occurs. Macrophages emerge from adjacent vessels into the tissue - “eaters”, which absorb damaged cells and clean the edges of the wound. A blood clot is formed - in the future it will become the basis for scarring.
- On day 2-3, fibroblasts are activated and begin to multiply - special cells that “grow” new collagen and elastin fibers, and also synthesize the intercellular matrix - a kind of gel that fills the intradermal cavities.
- At the same time, vascular cells begin to divide, forming numerous new capillaries in the damaged area. There is always in our blood protective proteins- antibodies, the main function of which is to fight foreign agents, so a developed vascular network becomes an additional barrier to possible infection.
- As a result of these changes, granulation tissue grows on the injured surface. It is not very strong and does not connect the edges of the wound tightly enough. With any, even slight force, they can separate - even though the top of the cut is already covered with epithelium.
At this stage, the work of the surgeon is very important - how smoothly the skin flaps are aligned when applying a suture, and whether there is excessive tension or “tucking” in them. Also, important To form a proper scar, there is careful hemostasis (stopping bleeding), and, if necessary, drainage (removal of excess fluid).
- Excessive swelling, hematoma, and infection disrupt normal scarring and increase the risk of developing rough scars. Another threat during this period is an individual reaction to the suture material, which usually manifests itself in the form of local edema.
- All necessary processing The surgical wound at this stage is made by a doctor or nurse under his supervision. You can’t do anything on your own, and it doesn’t make sense to interfere with the natural healing process yet. The maximum that a specialist can recommend after removing the stitches is to fix the edges with a silicone patch.
Stage 2: “young” scar or active fibrillogenesis
Occurs between 10 and 30 days after surgery:
- Granulation tissue matures. At this time, fibroblasts are actively synthesizing collagen and elastin, the number of fibers is growing rapidly - hence the name of this phase (the Latin word “fibril” means “fiber”) - and they are located chaotically, due to which the scar looks quite voluminous.
- But there are fewer capillaries: as the wound heals, the need for an additional protective barrier disappears. But, despite the fact that the number of vessels in general decreases, there are still relatively many of them, so the developing scar will always be bright pink. It is easily stretchable and can be injured under excessive loads.
The main danger at this stage is that the already fused sutures may still come apart if the patient is overly active. Therefore, it is so important to carefully follow all postoperative recommendations, including those related to lifestyle, physical activity, and medication - many of them are aimed precisely at providing conditions for normal, uncomplicated scarring.
- As prescribed by your doctor, you can start using external creams or ointments to treat the developing seam. As a rule, these are agents that accelerate healing: Actovegin, Bepanten and the like.
- In addition, hardware and physical procedures aimed at reducing swelling and preventing hypertrophy of fibrous tissue give good results: Darsonval, electrophoresis, phonophoresis, magnetic therapy, lymphatic drainage, microcurrents, etc.
Stage 3: formation of a durable scar - “maturation”
During this period - 30 - 90 days after surgery - appearance the scar gradually returns to normal:
- If at earlier stages the collagen and elastin fibers were arranged randomly, then during the third phase they begin to rearrange, oriented in the direction of greatest stretching of the edges of the incision. There are fewer fibroblasts, and the number of blood vessels decreases. The scar thickens, decreases in size, reaches its maximum strength and turns pale.
- If at this time fresh connective tissue fibers are subjected to excessive pressure, tension or other mechanical stress, the process of restructuring collagen and removing its excess is disrupted. As a result, the scar may become rough, or even acquire the ability to constantly grow, turning into. In some cases, this is possible even without exposure external factors- because of individual characteristics body.
At this stage, there is no need to stimulate healing; it is enough for the patient to avoid excessive stress on the operated area.
- If a tendency towards excessive fibrosis becomes apparent, the doctor will prescribe injections to reduce scarring activity - usually corticosteroid-based drugs (hydrocortisone or similar). Good results gives or collagenase. In less difficult cases, as well as in for preventive purposes non-steroidal external agents are used -, etc.
- It is important to understand that such therapy should be carried out exclusively under the supervision of a doctor - a dermatologist or surgeon. If you prescribe hormonal ointments or injections yourself, just because the appearance of the suture does not meet expectations or does not look like a photo from the Internet, you can significantly disrupt the process of tissue restoration, up to their partial atrophy.
Stage 4: final restructuring and formation of a mature scar
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Begins 3 months after surgery and continues for at least 1 year:
- The vessels that penetrated the ripening scar tissue at the previous stages almost completely disappear, and the collagen and elastin fibers gradually acquire their final structure, lining up in the direction of the main forces acting on the wound.
- Only at this stage (at least 6-12 months after surgery) can the condition and appearance of the scar be assessed, as well as plan any corrective measures, if necessary.
Here the patient is no longer required to serious measures precautions as in the previous ones. In addition, it is possible to carry out a wide range of additional corrective procedures:
- Surgical threads are usually removed much earlier than the surface of the scar is completely formed - otherwise the scarring process may be disrupted due to excessive compression of the skin. Therefore, immediately after removing the sutures, the edges of the wound are usually fixed with special adhesives. The surgeon decides how long to wear them, but most often the fixation period coincides with the “average” period of scar formation. With this care, the mark from the surgical incision will be the thinnest and most invisible.
- Another, less known, method that is used mainly on the face is. “Switching off” the adjacent facial muscles allows you to avoid tension on the developing scar without the use of a patch.
- Aesthetic defects of mature scars do not respond well to conservative treatment. If hormonal injections and external ointments used earlier did not give the desired result, then at the 4th stage and upon its completion, techniques based on mechanical removal fibrous excess: dermabrasion, peeling and even surgical excision.
Briefly about the most important things:
| Stage of scar formation and its timing |
Main characteristics |
Therapeutic and preventive measures |
| 1. Epithelization of the skin wound as a response to tissue damage (the first few days after surgery) | At the site of injury, the body releases biologically active substances that cause the development of edema, and also trigger the processes of cell division and collagen synthesis. | Careful treatment and suturing of the incision (performed by a surgeon). After the sutures are removed, they can be replaced with a plaster to avoid unnecessary tension on the edges of the wound. |
| 2. “Young” scar (1-4 weeks after surgery) | The production of a significant, usually even excessive amount of collagen continues. Vasodilation and increased blood flow at the site of injury contribute to the formation of a voluminous, soft, red or pink scar. | Application of healing ointments (Solcoseryl, etc.) In the presence of severe swelling and/or the threat of proliferation of fibrous tissue - corrective hardware procedures (microcurrents, lymphatic drainage, etc.) |
| 3. “Maturation” of the scar (from 4th to 12th week) | Excess connective tissue gradually dissolves, blood flow weakens. The scar thickens and fades - normally it becomes flesh-colored to white. | The use of non-hormonal ointments to prevent severe scarring. If there are obvious signs of keloid formation, injections or external application of corticosteroids are required. |
| 4. Final tissue restructuring (from 13 weeks to 1 year). | Collagen and elastin fibers are aligned along the lines of greatest tension in the skin. In the absence of complications, a thin whitish stripe is formed from the loose, voluminous and elastic scar formation, almost invisible from the outside. | Towards the end of this stage, if necessary, you can use any mechanical methods of scar correction: grinding, peeling, surgical excision. |
In addition to the local factors mentioned above, the healing processes of surgical incisions largely depend on the following circumstances:
- Age. The older a person is, the slower the damaged tissues heal - but the more accurate the final result will be. Statistically, rough hypertrophic and keloid scars occur more often in patients under 30 years of age.
- Heredity. The predisposition to forming large, uncontrollably growing scars often runs in families. In addition, people with dark and dark skin are more prone to excessive division of connective tissue cells.
Also, the following can disrupt the normal wound healing processes and worsen the final condition of the scar:
- obesity or, conversely, underweight;
- diseases of the endocrine system (hypo- and hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus);
- systemic collagenoses (systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic scleroderma, etc.);
- use of medications (corticosteroids, cytostatics, anti-inflammatory drugs).
The birth process often occurs with ruptures of the uterus or vagina. Subsequently, scarring problems arise. To prevent them, you need to know how long it takes for sutures to dissolve after childbirth and how to remove them correctly.
When a woman's tissue is damaged, an external rupture occurs. External sutures after childbirth are necessary when suturing the perineum. The manipulation is carried out using a material that does not dissolve: silk or polypropylene. When fusion has occurred, the threads are removed. Rupture of the cervix and vagina leads to the application of internal threads; materials of this type are used so that the sutures dissolve on their own.
When the perineum is damaged, damage occurs skin, muscles, and tissues to the walls of the rectum. Doctors select various material, the choice is influenced by the type and extent of the gap.
Types of threads:
- nylon;
- silk;
- absorbable.
Seam after caesarean section can be nodal or cosmetic intradermal, depending on how the longitudinal and transverse incision was made. Both types are painful, however, internal or absorbable sutures after childbirth are more aesthetically pleasing. Regardless of the type chosen, antibiotic therapy is mandatory. After a week, scars are formed, at the same time the silk external sutures are removed. The threads come out within a month after childbirth.
You can prevent adhesions with an active lifestyle; it normalizes blood circulation and restores the body. It is recommended to get out of bed as soon as the doctor allows. This is independent of pain in the area of the commissure.
Stitches are applied in layers. First, internal damage is removed, then they move on to the muscles, and the skin is sewn last. For it, materials are taken that do not dissolve. The threads are impregnated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of inflammation. Superficial sutures are removed before discharge from the hospital; internal sutures fall off on their own.
When performing a caesarean section, abdominal surgery is used, in which several layers of tissue are cut. Most often, an incision is made into the uterus to minimize blood loss and help wounds heal quickly. After stitching, the threads dissolve within a month. It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and follow medical recommendations.
Deadlines
Most often, catgut sutures are used to stitch up the perineum, ruptures in the vagina or cervix during the natural process. Cosmetic stitches will be needed after childbirth if a caesarean section was performed. The type of rupture and size affects what drug the doctor will prescribe. Pain sensations differ when stitching the vagina or perineum. Internal adhesions on the uterus are less noticeable.
When do self-absorbable sutures dissolve after childbirth? It will take about three months. In this case, the woman in labor does not experience any discomfort.
Sutures are applied using the main types of threads:
- Catgut is a self-absorbing material, the remnants of which come out by the end of the week after stitching. Self-absorbing sutures heal within a month after childbirth;
- Vicryl. Used during caesarean section. Dissolves in 8-9 weeks;
- Maxon. Resorption occurs after three months.
The material is applied in the perineum, on the cervix, and in the vagina. Absorbable sutures are used after childbirth, the procedure is carried out with tissue treatment with Novocaine or with the introduction of intravenous anesthesia. Painkillers are chosen depending on the rupture and its size. The sensitivity threshold for suturing in the vagina or perineum differs.
How long does it take for external sutures to dissolve after childbirth? Doctors estimate a period of five to seven days when using absorbable material. Staples and threads are removed after 3–7 days. Complete healing will occur within two weeks to one month. Discomfort and pain are felt for about six weeks. The scar hurts, like after surgery.
Removing stitches is a procedure that causes discomfort, not pain. The woman experiences pinpoint and sharp tingling sensations. The manipulation takes about 10 minutes, including preparation and treatment of scars. At this time, a burning sensation and a slight tingling sensation are felt.
Care
External sutures can provoke inflammation, suppuration, and infection. To prevent this, you need to know the rules of care. The healing time varies depending on how much the woman takes care of herself. Incisions and tears heal quickly if the woman rests, abstains from sexual activity, and treats the wounds with antiseptics.
Discharge from the uterus increases the healing time and acts as a foci for the development of infection. Stitches dissolve quickly after childbirth if a woman maintains hygiene.
To prevent bacteria from entering, the mother must:
- change the gasket frequently;
- treat scars with antiseptics;
- wipe the perineum with sterile wipes;
- do not sit down for ten days to prevent the seams from coming apart;
- do not eat foods that cause constipation;
- use natural underwear or disposable panties;
- take a shower more often and wash your genitals with soap.
If catgut is used, the sutures will dissolve within five days. Only in some cases do they have to be removed. Treatment is carried out in a maternity hospital, antenatal clinic or at home. The hospital uses brilliant green and potassium permanganate. The obstetrician will tell you what to use at home after examining the condition of the adhesions. It is recommended to use Levomekol, Chlorhexidine, Hydrogen Peroxide. At correct processing Resorption of sutures after childbirth occurs quickly. Note absence negative consequences and cosmetic defects.
You should not be afraid of the process of defecation; if you skip it, it creates additional stress on the muscles and increases pain. To facilitate the process, the use of glycerin suppositories is allowed so as not to injure the perineum. If stitches were placed on it, you cannot sit down for the period from 7 to 14 days. You are allowed to go to the toilet on the first day after birth. After a week, you can sit on the buttock, which is located on the opposite side from the one where the damage was.
Complications
Postpartum stitches often lead to discomfort. It is important to respond to pain in a timely manner to prevent complications. When a woman is in satisfactory condition, she should not lift weights. The usual way of life will return when six months have passed after suturing; the use of physiotherapy at home helps.
The following problems are noted during rehabilitation:
- pain;
- scar divergence;
- suppuration.
Pain. Appears after childbirth, so the use of special ointments and dry warming will be required. Strong medications should not be used if the newborn is breastfed.
Discrepancy. Most often this happens if the seams are located on the perineum. The cause is early sexual activity, infection, sudden movements. The woman observes swelling, increased temperature, and the wound is bleeding.
Suture dehiscence is most often noted when performing mama physical exercise, sudden movements. It is recommended to call a doctor if blood is oozing from the wound. The condition is dangerous because muscle tissue an infection occurs, which leads to inflammation, fever, and increased temperature.
Itching. Indicates the elimination of pathology or infection in the wound. The severity is reduced by washing warm water. Medicines do not use.
Suppuration of the wound leads to fever, weakness, unpleasant smell, fever and pain. Treatment occurs after examination using ointments and antibiotics.
How long does it take for tears to heal after childbirth? Within a month. In order for the wound to heal successfully, you need to maintain hygiene, use antiseptics and get plenty of rest. Be sure to follow a diet for proper operation intestines. Treatment is practiced for a month.
For quick healing of sutures, you must adhere to simple rules and recommendations. For six months after giving birth, a woman needs to take care of personal hygiene, take care of herself, care for scars and wait until the body has fully recovered.
The happiness that engulfs a woman cannot be expressed in words; all the pain, all the torment experienced just a few minutes ago is forgotten. But in order to calmly hold the baby in your arms, you will have to work a little and suffer.
The most unpleasant, painful and for a long time takes first when the cervix dilates. But the second one - the birth of a baby - is a matter of minutes, which, however, can be overshadowed by or (even worse) a rupture of the perineum. Some women resist the cut as best they can: they are indignant and even scream. But you need to understand that this manipulation is sometimes simply necessary.
The birth canal may be narrow for the baby, and if the doctor does not make the incision, the child himself will do it. Then it will already be tear with torn edges irregular shape , and it will be quite difficult to sew it up, not to mention the fact that it will heal for a long time and painfully.
But the cut made with a scalpel is smooth and neat, will allow just a few stitches to bring the edges together. Such a seam will heal quickly and will not cause much trouble if it is properly cared for and treated.
External (external) and internal sutures after childbirth
Internal seams are applied when the cervix and vaginal walls are ruptured. Since the cervix loses sensitivity after childbirth, When stitches are applied, the woman in labor feels almost nothing.
But when stitches are placed on the vagina, this is quite noticeable, so local anesthesia is given. Internal seams are made with self-absorbing threads that do not require additional care and removal of sutures.
To external seams include stitches on the perineum, and here everything is a little more complicated. A woman can tear on her own and the stitches on the tears take longer to heal.
However, Mostly doctors manage to make an even (and absolutely painless) incision towards the anus. Putting stitches in this place is a little painful, so local anesthesia is given here too.
You should take special care of the sutures in the perineum after childbirth, because this is a place where you cannot apply a sterile bandage, and the sutures come into contact with the external environment and can easily become inflamed.
Self-absorbing sutures
Recently, almost all stitches are applied using self-absorbing threads. This is very convenient: you don’t need to remove them, and already in 7-10 days there will be no trace left of them.
The only thing a woman can notice is pieces of threads or knots on the pad. Don't be alarmed, know that these remnants of thread mean that the stitches have almost dissolved. In a month, during an examination with a doctor, you will be able to verify this.
Let's look at some features
In order for the stitches to heal quickly and not become inflamed, they need to be properly cared for. Internal seams during normal course are not processed at all, since sterile self-absorbable sutures are used. There is enough hygiene care here.
And here if the internal seams are inflamed or festered, then use tampons with levomikol or any other anti-inflammatory ointments.
External seams require special care.. They should be processed 2 times a day. In the maternity hospital this is done by a nurse.
First, the seams are treated with hydrogen peroxide, and then brilliant green or iodine. In addition to this, physiotherapy procedures are carried out to promote speedy healing.
The woman in labor should change sanitary pad every 2 hours, in the maternity hospital they use sterile disposable panties. You should wash yourself at least 2 times a day and after each act of defecation (and do this long after discharge). After washing (with potassium permanganate), the seams should be carefully blotted with a towel., but under no circumstances rub it with it, then treat it with peroxide, and then with brilliant green or iodine.
A woman always has a lot of troubles after giving birth. And problems with seams are only a small part of them. But believe me A healthy baby snoring sweetly in your arms will atone for all your hard work and make you forget about all the difficulties associated with childbirth.
Many women who encounter stitches for the first time after childbirth do not know how to behave correctly so that the seams do not come apart.
The most important thing is a woman in labor with stitches should not sit for 7-10 days in no case. That is, eating, feeding the baby, swaddling and doing other work can only be done while lying down or standing.
At first it will be difficult to get used to this, and the desire to sit down will appear all the time. It is important not to do such a stupid thing, otherwise the seams will come apart.
Previously, it was much simpler, because the baby was brought only for feeding and immediately taken away, so the woman in labor could rest and get used to her new position. Women in labor with stitches were generally forbidden to stand up unless necessary, which is why the healing of the stitches after childbirth occurred much faster.
But now, when the baby is brought in on the first day and left with the mother until discharge, it is quite difficult to maintain bed rest, because you need to get up and swaddle the baby, wash him, and feed him. Well, how can you not forget and sit down out of habit?
Remember: you will be able to sit down no earlier than after 10 days (and this is provided that the stitches heal well without causing complications), and then only on a hard chair, and after another 10 days - on easy chair, bed or sofa.
Since the woman in labor is being discharged for 5-7 days, then the trip home will not be very comfortable, you will have to ride in a reclining position in the car. Warn your relatives in advance that only one passenger can travel with you in the car, since you will need more space.
There is one more point: in the first week after suturing, you need to go to the toilet correctly “in large quantities”. It is best to give an enema at the first urge, otherwise the sutures may also come apart due to tension in the pelvic muscles.
What to do, if…
The seams have come apart
If the seams do come apart, it is important to determine this quickly.
Internal seams come apart in very exceptional cases. It is simply impossible to notice this on your own. This can only be seen by a doctor during an examination. Such seams, as a rule, are no longer touched.
Most often this occurs with external seams in the crotch.. Sudden movements, improper defecation, or if a woman sits down can cause the stitches to come apart.
If this happens literally the next day after birth, then repeated stitches are applied. It’s a different story if the edges of the wound have already healed and the stitches have come apart. Then the doctor decides on re-suturing.
If it is just a couple of stitches and there is no threat to life, then the seams can be left as they are. But it also happens that the seam comes apart completely. Then the edges of the wound are excised and the sutures are reapplied.
While the woman is in the maternity hospital, the doctor examines her every day, and if he finds that the seams are starting to come apart, he will take action. But if, after discharge, the young mother feels that the stitches have come apart, then she should immediately contact the antenatal clinic, where the gynecologist, after an examination, will tell you what to do.
The stitches hurt
The stitches may hurt for the first couple of days, then the pain should go away. Internal stitches heal much faster, and the pain is felt weakly, going away after a couple of days. But the external seams can bother you for a long time if you do not follow the regime.
Painful sensations when trying to sit down are quite natural, but if the pain appears in a calm state, this may signal an inflammatory process.
That's why you must not endure the pain, but consult a doctor. If you manage it in time, the inflammatory process can be easily eliminated, but if you delay it, the stitches will fester, and treatment will have to be long and tedious.
When are sutures removed?
The situation is more complicated with ordinary stitches that need to be removed. This can only be done after the wounds have healed. IN best case scenario this happens on day 6-7.
But if the sutures become inflamed after childbirth or the sutures fester, then healing is delayed and you have to deal with inflammatory process and only then remove the stitches.
So when are stitches removed after childbirth? All this is decided individually. Before being discharged from the maternity hospital, the woman is examined by a doctor and, if all is well, the stitches are removed (the process is almost painless). If it’s too early, the doctor will tell you when you need to go for an examination at a consultation.