The length of time stitches stay in depends on the type of stitches and the location of the wound on the body:

• Dissolvable stitches placed internally do not need to be removed; they break down and disappear on their own over time, usually within 1 to 6 weeks depending on the material and wound location

• Non-dissolvable stitches on the skin surface typically stay in for about 5 to 14 days before removal, with exact timing varying by body part:
  • Face: 4–5 days
  • Scalp: 7–10 days
  • Neck: 7 days
  • Chest, abdomen, back: 7–10 days
  • Arms and backs of hands: 7 days
  • Fingers or toes: 10–14 days
  • Legs or tops of feet: 10 days
  • Over joints, palms, soles: 12–14 days

Leaving stitches in too long can increase the risk of scarring and make removal more difficult, while removing them too early may cause the wound to reopen

. Doctors usually advise keeping stitches dry for the first 48 hours, then allowing brief exposure to water (e.g., light shower) but avoiding soaking for about 4 weeks to prevent infection

. Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions on when to remove stitches based on your wound and healing progress.