That’s exactly what I keep thinking about—like, if the stitches don’t dissolve “on schedule,” do they make you come back in and pay for another visit? I’m always worried they’ll say it’s normal but then still want to check it just in case. Did anyone ever just leave them alone and they eventually went away, or is that risky?
Did anyone ever just leave them alone and they eventually went away, or is that risky?
I had dissolvable stitches after a minor hand surgery, and they definitely took longer than the doctor said. I left them alone, and they did dissolve, but it was almost two weeks late. I kept obsessively checking them—couldn’t help it. It felt weird but not painful, so I didn’t go back in. In hindsight, probably a little risky since I didn’t know if there was an infection or not, but everything healed fine.
I do wonder if some people’s bodies just break them down slower? Like maybe diet or even skin type affects it. I get the worry about being charged for another visit though… healthcare billing is wild sometimes.
I left them alone, and they did dissolve, but it was almost two weeks late. I kept obsessively checking them—couldn’t help it.
That sounds so familiar. I had dissolvable stitches after an oral surgery and they lingered way longer than the oral surgeon predicted. I’d catch myself poking at them with my tongue all day, convinced something was wrong, but my gum looked fine—no swelling or weird color. It’s tough not to worry, especially when you’re told they’ll be gone in a week and then…they’re just still there.
I totally get your point about different bodies breaking them down at their own pace. I read somewhere that saliva can speed things up in the mouth, but even then, mine took their sweet time. The temptation to go back in is real, but like you said, healthcare costs make you second-guess if it’s even worth it unless there’s real pain or signs of infection.
Honestly, if it’s not red or oozing and you feel okay otherwise, waiting it out seems pretty normal. But yeah, the anxiety? That’s probably universal.
The temptation to go back in is real, but like you said, healthcare costs make you second-guess if it’s even worth it unless there’s real pain or signs of infection.
I get what you mean about the cost, but honestly, I’d rather pay for a quick check than stress for weeks. I know money’s tight (trust me, I’ve put off stuff before), but sometimes peace of mind is worth it—especially if something feels off. I guess for me, the anxiety just eats up too much brain space otherwise.
I totally get the anxiety part. When I had my wisdom teeth out, the stitches were supposed to dissolve in a week, but two weeks later they were still hanging on. Every day I’d poke at them with my tongue and wonder if I was making it worse. Ended up calling the office because I just couldn’t stop worrying—I felt a bit silly, but honestly, they were super chill about it. Sometimes it’s worth checking just to get that weight off your mind, even if it costs a bit. The “what if” feeling is the worst.