Which kind of sutures are usually absorbed by the body over time?

Absorbable sutures are designed to be broken down and absorbed by the body over time, minimizing the need for a second procedure to remove them. These sutures are made from natural materials like gut or synthetic polymers that are gradually metabolized by the body's enzymatic activity and biochemical processes. As a result, absorbable sutures are particularly useful in internal anatomical areas where they can support healing without requiring later removal.

In contrast, non-absorbable sutures are made from materials that do not decompose in the body and remain intact until they are manually removed. Therefore, the primary characteristic that distinguishes absorbable sutures is their ability to dissolve and be absorbed, making them suitable for applications where the risk of infection from retained sutures is a concern or where the healing tissue will not need long-term support.