How long do laparoscopy stitches take to heal? A complete guide

September 29, 2025 •

5 min read

According to studies, laparoscopic procedures are minimally invasive, leading to quicker recovery times than traditional surgery. For most patients, understanding how long do laparoscopy stitches take to heal? is a key part of managing their post-operative expectations.

Quick Summary

External laparoscopic stitches typically heal within 7 to 14 days, with dissolvable sutures dissolving over several weeks. However, internal tissues require 4 to 6 weeks for complete healing, with full recovery dependent on factors like the specific procedure and overall health.

Key Points

Two-stage healing: External incisions heal within 1–2 weeks, while internal tissues need 4–6 weeks for full repair.
Absorbable vs. non-absorbable: Most laparoscopic stitches are dissolvable, eliminating the need for removal; external staples or sutures are removed by a doctor in 7–10 days.
Factors affecting recovery: Healing speed depends on surgical complexity, your overall health, lifestyle choices like smoking, and diligent post-operative care.
Critical aftercare: Keep incision sites clean and dry, avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 4–6 weeks, and protect new scars from sun exposure.
Watch for complications: Monitor for signs of infection like increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever, and contact your doctor immediately if they appear.
Patience is key: Full recovery requires patience and listening to your body to avoid overexertion during the internal healing phase.

A complete overview of laparoscopic stitches and healing

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses small incisions, often closed with sutures, surgical glue, or adhesive strips. Unlike open surgery, which involves larger incisions, laparoscopy allows for faster initial recovery. Understanding the healing process for your stitches is vital for a smooth and complication-free recovery. This guide details the timeline, factors influencing healing, and essential care instructions to ensure you heal properly and can return to your normal routine.

The two stages of healing

Healing from a laparoscopic procedure involves two distinct stages: the healing of external incisions and the repair of internal tissues. It is common for the visible external sites to heal much faster than the deeper, internal surgical sites. Ignoring the slower internal healing process can lead to complications, even if your incisions look perfectly fine on the surface.

External incision healing

For most laparoscopic procedures, the external incisions are very small, often less than an inch long. Your surgeon may use several methods for closure:

Dissolvable stitches: These sutures are placed just below the skin's surface and dissolve on their own over several weeks. This is a common method that avoids the need for a follow-up appointment to have stitches removed.
Surgical glue: A waterproof adhesive is applied over the incision to hold the edges together. It creates a protective film that peels off naturally, typically within 10 to 14 days.
Steri-strips: These thin strips of tape are placed over the incision. They fall off on their own, usually within 7 to 10 days.
Non-dissolvable stitches or staples: These are less common for small laparoscopic incisions but may be used in some cases. They require removal by a healthcare provider, typically 7 to 10 days after surgery.

The initial external healing, where the wound closes and scabs form, takes about 7 to 14 days. During this period, mild redness, itching, or bruising is normal.

Internal tissue healing

This is the longer and less visible part of the healing process. Depending on the specific procedure—whether it was a simple diagnostic laparoscopy or a more complex organ removal—internal tissues can take 4 to 6 weeks or even longer to fully repair and regain strength. Excessive physical activity too soon can put a strain on these internal healing tissues, potentially leading to complications.

Factors that influence healing time

Several variables can affect how long your laparoscopic stitches take to heal:

Surgical complexity: A straightforward diagnostic procedure or a minor intervention will heal faster than a complex surgery like a hysterectomy or bowel resection.
Individual health: A patient's age, overall fitness, and the presence of underlying health conditions (such as diabetes or obesity) can all influence healing speed.
Lifestyle choices: Smoking, a poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle can all delay the healing process. Smoking, for instance, restricts blood flow and deprives tissues of the oxygen they need to repair.
Post-operative care: Meticulous follow-up care is crucial. Following your surgeon's instructions for wound care, medication, and activity levels can significantly speed up your recovery and prevent complications like infection.

Healing timeline: A week-by-week guide

Week 1: The initial recovery period. You will likely feel sore and fatigued, and the incisions may have some mild bruising or swelling. You should focus on rest and light activity, such as short, gentle walks. Pain medication helps manage discomfort.
Week 2: Most external stitches or surgical glue have started to dissolve or fall off. The incisions will look less red and swollen. You can gradually increase your activity level but should continue to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
Weeks 3–4: By this point, most patients feel much better and can return to light daily routines. However, internal healing is still in progress. Listen to your body and avoid activities that cause pain or strain.
Week 6 and beyond: Internal healing should be largely complete. Most surgeons will clear you to return to more vigorous activities, including exercise and heavy lifting. Scars will begin to fade over time.

The importance of proper wound care

Taking care of your incision sites is critical for preventing infection and ensuring optimal healing.

Keep it clean: After the first 24–48 hours, you can shower as advised by your doctor. Gently wash the area with mild, soapy water and pat it dry. Do not scrub or soak the incisions.
Avoid irritation: Wear loose-fitting clothing that won't rub against the incisions. Avoid using any creams, lotions, or hydrogen peroxide on the wounds unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
Monitor for infection: Be vigilant for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, fever, or pain. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms.
Protect from the sun: Protect your healing scars from direct sunlight for up to a year, as UV exposure can cause permanent darkening. When outdoors, use a high-SPF sunscreen or keep the area covered.

Stitches comparison: Absorbable vs. non-absorbable

Knowing what type of closure was used can help manage your expectations.


Feature	Absorbable Sutures	Non-Absorbable Sutures/Staples
Removal	No removal needed; dissolve on their own.	Must be removed by a healthcare provider.
Dissolving Time	2 to 6 weeks, depending on material.	N/A
Comfort	Can cause slight irritation as they dissolve.	Removal can cause slight discomfort.
Scars	Minimizes scarring, as they are often internal.	Used externally; removal can influence scar appearance.
Use Case	Most commonly used for internal layers and superficial closures.	Used when stronger closure is needed or for external skin.

For more information on surgical wound care and recovery, it is recommended to consult authoritative medical resources like the Cleveland Clinic or speak with your healthcare provider.

Conclusion: A patient-centered approach to recovery

Recovering from a laparoscopic procedure is a process that requires patience and careful attention to your body's signals. While external stitches may heal within a couple of weeks, the internal healing can take much longer. By following your doctor's guidance, practicing proper wound care, and avoiding strenuous activity too soon, you can significantly reduce your risk of complications. Listen to your body, prioritize rest, and remember that a full recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your surgeon will inform you during your discharge instructions if the stitches used were dissolvable. As a general rule, if you were not given an appointment for suture removal, they are likely the dissolvable type, or your incisions were closed with surgical glue or steri-strips that fall off on their own.

The fastest way to heal is by following your doctor's post-operative instructions precisely. This includes resting, staying hydrated, eating a nutritious diet, avoiding heavy lifting, and keeping your incision sites clean and protected. Gentle walking also promotes circulation, which aids healing.

Yes, mild itching is a very normal part of the healing process. As nerve endings regenerate and the skin repairs itself, it often causes an itchy sensation. Avoid scratching the area, which can damage the delicate new tissue or introduce bacteria.

Most surgeons advise waiting 24 to 48 hours before showering. When you do, use a mild, unscented soap and let the water run over the incisions. Pat the area dry gently and avoid scrubbing. Do not take a bath or soak the wounds for at least two weeks.

If your stitches are not dissolving after several weeks, or if they cause pain, redness, or discharge, contact your surgeon's office. They may need to be trimmed or removed if they are causing irritation or are slow to absorb.

Normal healing involves mild redness, bruising, and discomfort that improves over time. Signs of infection include increased and spreading redness, swelling, worsening pain after 48 hours, pus or foul-smelling discharge, or fever and chills. Contact your doctor if you suspect an infection.

For light exercise like walking, you can start as soon as you feel able, often within the first week. However, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and abdominal workouts should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks, or until your surgeon gives you clearance. Internal tissues need time to heal properly.