Stop Confusing Them: Sutures vs. Stitches Explained Once and for All

You’ve probably heard doctors, nurses, and medical shows use “sutures” and “stitches” interchangeably, leaving you wondering if there’s actually a difference. The confusion is understandable.

While they’re closely related, sutures and stitches aren’t exactly the same thing. Understanding the distinction can help you communicate more clearly with your medical team.

To settle the confusion, let’s clear up this medical terminology once and for all.

What is the Difference between Sutures and Stitches?

Sutures are the physical materials used to close wounds, while stitches refer to the technique or action of using those materials. To put it simply, think of sutures as the "thread" and stitches as the "act of sewing."

Now, let's break this down further.

Sutures are sterile medical threads made from various materials designed specifically for wound closure. These specialized threads come in different thicknesses, lengths, and compositions depending on where they'll be used in your body. 

Just like different fabrics require different types of thread, different body parts need specific suture materials.

On the flip side, a stitch is the actual technique of using those sutures to sew tissue together. When someone says they're "getting stitches," they're referring to the entire procedure of having their wound closed with sutures. The doctor performs stitches using sutures, it's that straightforward.

What are the Different Types of Sutures?

Sutures come in various forms, each designed for specific wound types, healing times, and medical needs.

Absorbable vs. Non-Absorbable

Absorbable sutures are the convenient option that dissolves on its own. Your body naturally breaks down these sutures over time, eliminating the need for suture removal. 

For this reason, doctors typically use absorbable sutures for internal organs, deep tissue layers, and areas where returning for removal would be impractical.

In contrast, non-absorbable sutures stick around until a healthcare provider removes them. These stronger, more durable sutures work best for skin closure, blood vessels, and areas requiring long-term support.

The trade-off is that you'll need to schedule a follow-up appointment to have these removed, usually within 5-14 days depending on the location.

Monofilament vs. Multifilament

Beyond absorption properties, sutures also differ in their construction. Monofilament sutures consist of a single strand of material. 

They glide through tissue smoothly with minimal friction, reducing tissue damage and making them ideal for delicate procedures. Think of them as the fishing line of the medical world.

Meanwhile, multifilament sutures are made from multiple strands braided together. While they create slightly more friction when passing through tissue, they offer superior knot security and flexibility. 

As a result, surgeons often prefer these for procedures requiring strong, reliable knots.

Natural vs. Synthetic

The material composition adds another layer to suture selection. Natural sutures include materials like catgut (made from sheep intestines) and silk. 

These traditional options have been used for centuries and work well for specific applications. However, they carry a higher risk of inflammatory reactions.

That's why synthetic sutures have become increasingly popular. These include modern materials like nylon, polyester, and polypropylene. 

These engineered materials offer predictable absorption rates, consistent strength, and reduced risk of adverse reactions. Most healthcare providers now prefer synthetic options for their reliability.

What are the Different Types of Stitching Techniques?

Understanding these different stitching methods will give you insight into why your doctor might choose one approach over another.

Continuous Suture

Continuous suture uses a single thread to create a series of connected stitches along the wound. The doctor starts at one end and works continuously to the other end before tying off the thread. 

As you might expect, continuous sutures work perfectly for long incisions where speed matters, such as surgical closures that need rapid completion.

Interrupted Sutures

Interrupted sutures are individual stitches that are tied off one at a time, rather than in a continuous line. This method takes longer to perform but offers greater wound security and precise tension control, making it ideal for areas prone to movement or tension.

Doctors often choose this technique for high-tension areas like joints or when they want extra assurance that the wound will stay closed.

Buried Sutures

Buried sutures are stitches where the knot is placed beneath the skin surface for a cleaner, more refined finish. This technique is commonly used to close deep wounds in layers while reducing visible scarring.

Plastic surgeons often use buried sutures in cosmetic procedures where aesthetics are a priority.

When Do You Need Stitches?

Knowing when to seek medical attention for wound closure can prevent complications and ensure proper healing. Here are the key indicators:

• Deep or gaping wounds that expose underlying tissue

• Wounds that won't stop bleeding after 10-15 minutes of direct pressure

• Cuts over joints where movement could reopen the wound

• Cuts with exposed fat or muscle that appear yellow or red beneath the skin

• Wounds longer than half an inch that don't naturally stay closed

• Cuts on the face or hands where scarring would be particularly problematic

Recognizing these signs early can help you get the right treatment and avoid long-term damage or infection.

The Suture and Stitch Process

Once you've determined that professional care is needed, here's what you can expect during the actual procedure.

Step 1: Anesthesia

Your healthcare provider numbs the area with local anesthetic, usually lidocaine. This injection might sting briefly, but it prevents pain during the procedure.

Step 2: Cleaning

Next, the wound gets thoroughly cleaned and irrigated to remove debris and bacteria. This step is crucial for preventing infection and ensuring proper healing.

Step 3: Suturing 

Following the preparation, the doctor carefully aligns the wound edges and places sutures according to the chosen technique. They'll ensure proper tension , tight enough to close the wound but not so tight that it restricts blood flow.

Step 4: Removal 

Finally, non-absorbable sutures require removal once the wound has healed sufficiently. The timing depends on location: face sutures typically come out in 5-7 days, while body sutures might stay in for 10-14 days.

This straightforward process helps wounds heal safely and effectively while minimizing the risk of complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do stitches take to heal? 

Most wounds with stitches heal within 1-3 weeks, depending on location and your overall health. Generally speaking, facial wounds typically heal faster than wounds on the torso or limbs.

Do dissolvable stitches leave a scar? 

All wound closure methods can potentially leave scars. However, absorbable sutures often result in less scarring because there's no need for removal, which can sometimes disturb healing tissue.

What does a suture feel like? 

You might feel slight pulling or tightness around the wound area. Some people describe it as feeling like their skin is "held together" – which is exactly what's happening.

Can I shower with stitches? 

Most doctors allow gentle showering 24-48 hours after getting stitches. Keep the area clean and pat dry gently. Avoid soaking in baths or swimming until after suture removal.

Master Suturing Techniques with Professional Training Kits

Understanding sutures and stitches is just the beginning for medical professionals and students. Developing proper technique requires hands-on practice with quality training materials.

This is where the Advanced Suture Practice Kit from Artagia Men comes into play. This comprehensive kit provides everything medical students need to master fundamental suturing skills, including various suture materials, practice pads, and detailed instructions for developing precision and confidence.

For those focusing on surgical techniques, our Surgical Knot Tying Board Kit offers specialized training in the critical skill of secure knot placement. After all, proper knot tying can make the difference between successful wound closure and complications.

Order now to start practicing with professional-grade materials used in actual medical training programs.