Absorbable vs. Non-Absorbable Sutures: What's the Difference?

Whenever a surgical cut, wound, or injury needs stitching, doctors use sutures (stitches) to support healing. Sutures help bring tissues together so they can heal in the correct position. One of the most common questions patients have is whether their stitches will dissolve on their own or need to be removed. This is where the two major types, absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, come in.

Knowing the difference helps patients understand what to expect during recovery, follow-up visits, and wound care.

What are Absorbable Sutures?

Absorbable sutures are those that undergo degradation in tissues over time and are broken by the body via hydrolysis (synthetic materials) or enzymatic reaction (natural materials). So, it does not need to be removed.^[1] Hence, it can be used for internal tissues that can heal quickly and are preferred in surgeries involving organs or deep tissue layers.

Non-Absorbable Sutures

Non-absorbable sutures are made from materials that maintain their strength over long periods of time. Some may gradually lose strength and break down, while others can remain in the body permanently. These sutures are often used on the skin or in tissues that require long-term support and usually need to be removed once the wound has healed.

Absorbable Sutures

• Disappear gradually as the body heals

• Not visible on the skin surface (when placed internally)

• Provide short-term support

• Reduce the need for follow-up visits

Non-Absorbable Sutures

• Remain intact until removed

• Used in both external and internal procedures

• Support tissues that heal slowly

• Require monitoring to ensure proper healing

Advantages

• It is convenient for patients as no removal is needed

• Minimise discomfort in deep tissues

• Lower risk of irritation in internal layers

• Suitable for quick-healing areas

Common Use Cases

• Internal surgical layers

• Gynaecology surgeries

• Gastrointestinal procedures

• Paediatric surgeries

• Soft tissue repair inside the body

Advantages

• Provide long-term strength

• More durable in high-stress areas

• Excellent for external stitching

• Suitable for slow-healing tissues

Common Use Cases

• Skin stitching

• Cardiovascular surgeries

• Orthopaedic repair

• Hernia repair

• High-tension closure areas

Absorbable Sutures Are Chosen When:

• The tissues can heal fast

• The suture has to be placed inside the body

• Removal of the sutures would be uncomfortable

• If short-term support is enough

Non-Absorbable Sutures Are Chosen When:

• Tissue healing is slow

• Long-term support is necessary

• External skin closure is required

• The wound is under high tension or movement

Doctors look at several factors before selecting a suture. Here are a few:

• Healing time of the tissue

• Depth and location of the wound

• Amount of stress on the area

• Patient comfort and follow-up needs

• Type of surgery being performed

• Risk of wound reopening

• Medical history of the patient

The main goal is always safe, comfortable, and effective healing.

Meril provides both categories of sutures to support safe wound closure:

• Mistu-ab – an antibacterial absorbable suture designed for dependable internal support during the healing period

• Filaprop – a non-absorbable suture used for long-term strength and precision in external and internal procedures

These options allow clinicians to choose what best suits each surgical requirement.

Absorbable and non-absorbable sutures both play important roles in helping wounds heal correctly. Absorbable sutures dissolve naturally inside the body and are ideal for internal tissues, while non-absorbable sutures provide durable, long-term support where stability is essential. By understanding the differences, patients can better follow wound-care advice and feel more confident during recovery. The final choice always depends on the surgeon's assessment of tissue type, healing needs and overall surgical goals.