Dentists, oral surgeons, plastic surgeons, obstetricians, urologists, veterinarians and numerous other doctors have been using stitches for centuries to close wounds, cuts and surgical incisions. Stitches can either be dissoluble or non-dissoluble. Opting for one type or another depends on several factors, such as the area in which they are needed. For example, internal body tissues will need absorbable stitches. Patients who cannot return for suture removal will also need absorbable stitches. On the other hand, non-absorbable stitches are needed in stressful environments, where absorbable stitches do not suffice. Regardless of the type of stitches used, both absorbable and non-absorbable ones need to have three main features.

The first feature of stitches is thickness. The thickness of stitches depends on the wound and it area. For instance, thin stitches are mainly used in plastic surgery, for simple cuts, or for wounds that need to heal with no or little scarring. Thick stitches are used when scarring is not an issue, like for internal wounds. Thick stitches are made by weaving more material together, while thin stitches are made with less material. The second feature of stitches is elasticity. This feature is very important, because if stitches do not have proper elasticity, they can snap and even tear the wound, therefore delaying the healing process. To illustrate this feature, think about the areas that bend. Knees are the best example, since they need very elastic stitches in order to be able to bend without the surgical sutures being teared.

The third feature of stitches is decomposition rate. The desired treatment period will establish how long do the stitches have to last. For instance, deep and wide wounds need a longer period of time to heal, therefore the stitches need to last longer. As stitches can be formulated and strengthened to dissolve slowly or rapidly, this will not be an issue. The doctor will determine the decomposition rate. If you need stitches, it is very important for you to ask a lot of questions and get throughly informed on what is about to happen. Stitches need to be sutured perfectly for the wounded area to heal properly and fast.