Stitches Healing Stages, Day by Day
What normal looks like from day 1 to after removal, how dissolvable stitches heal, and when to call.
Reviewed by Inspiration Medical Technology, Inc. All articles are reviewed for accuracy and brand-voice compliance by the team behind AllaQuix®. Not a substitute for medical advice from your doctor.
Stage 1: inflammation
In the first few days, your body is cleaning the wound and starting repairs. Expect mild redness right along the edges, some swelling, tenderness, and a little clear or pink fluid on the dressing. Keep the stitches covered and dry for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Normal in the first days
- A thin band of redness along the edges
- Mild swelling and tenderness
- A small amount of clear or pink fluid
- Mild bruising around the site
Stage 2: new tissue
New tissue fills in and the edges knit together. The incision looks sealed, the redness settles to a pink line, and itching is common. A thin scab may form if the wound dries out, which is one reason many doctors suggest keeping it covered.
WHILE IT HEALS
Keep healing stitches clean and covered
A non-adherent pad inside a 1 inch adhesive border. Sterile and latex-free.
SMALL ISLAND DRESSING
AllaQuix® Basic Small Island Dressing
A soft non-adherent pad inside a 1 inch adhesive border, sized for small incisions, fingers and IV catheter sites. Sterile and latex-free. Box of 50 or a case of 20 boxes.
Best for: small incisions, IV sites, fingers
ISLAND DRESSING · 4×4
AllaQuix® Basic Island Dressing 4 × 4
A 2×2 inch non-adherent pad inside a 1 inch adhesive border. Sterile, latex-free and breathable. Box of 50 or a case of 12 boxes.
Best for: incision sites, everyday cuts, light to moderate drainage
When stitches come out
Non-dissolvable stitches come out once the edges hold on their own. Timing depends on location.
Typical removal times
- Face: about 3 to 5 days
- Scalp: about 7 to 10 days
- Arms, chest and abdomen: about 7 to 14 days
- Legs and feet: about 10 to 14 days
- Over joints: about 14 days
Dissolvable stitches healing stages
Dissolvable (absorbable) stitches break down on their own. The ends you can see often loosen and fall off within one to three weeks. The stitches under the skin keep holding for several weeks and can take a few months to fully dissolve, depending on the material.
A small firm bump under the skin while they dissolve is common. Don't pull or trim them. Call your doctor if a stitch pokes through and the area turns red, sore or starts to drain.
After stitches are removed: how long to heal
When stitches come out, the wound is closed but not yet strong. Scar tissue keeps building strength for months and reaches roughly 80 percent of the original skin's strength by about three months. That's why doctors ask you to avoid stretching the area and heavy lifting that pulls on it for a few weeks.
The scar usually starts pink or red, then fades and flattens over 6 to 12 months or longer. Sunscreen or clothing over the scar helps it fade evenly.
Normal healing vs. signs of infection
Infection usually shows up between day 3 and day 10. The difference from normal healing is direction: normal symptoms ease day by day, while infection gets worse.
Call your doctor if you notice
- Redness that spreads outward, or red streaks
- Warmth, swelling or pain that gets worse instead of better
- Pus, cloudy drainage or a bad smell
- A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Stitches that come out early, or edges that pull apart
For bleeding you can't control with firm pressure, call 911.
FAQ
Common questions on this topic
How do I know my stitches are healing properly?
Redness, swelling and tenderness ease a little each day, the edges stay closed, and drainage stops after the first few days.
Is itching around stitches normal?
Yes. Itching is common as new tissue forms. Don't scratch. Call your doctor if itching comes with a rash, blisters or spreading redness.
Why is there a bump under my stitches?
A firm ridge or small bump under the skin is common while the wound heals and while dissolvable stitches break down. It usually softens over weeks to months.
How long do dissolvable stitches take to dissolve?
The visible ends often fall off within one to three weeks. The stitches under the skin can take a few months to dissolve completely, depending on the material.
How long after stitches are removed can I swim?
Usually once the wound has fully closed, often a few days after removal. Ask your doctor before soaking or swimming.
WHILE IT HEALS
Keep healing stitches covered
General wound care education, not medical advice. Always follow your doctor's instructions. Not for emergency, arterial, or severe bleeding.
Dallas, Texas
FDA reviewed and cleared. Nearly one million AllaQuix® sold.