Possible to have undissolved vicryl sutures?

[JBill]

About 9 months ago I had an excision of a dermatofibroma from my forehead.  The doctor used 6-0 nylon external sutures and 4-0 vicryl internal sutures (the external ones were removed a week after surgery; the internal ones were to dissolve on their own).  Since the surgery, the cut itself healed in a nice straight line, but I've had really persistent, somewhat scaly redness around the excision site, about the size of a thumb's nail.  I'm beginning to suspect that perhaps the stitches haven't dissolved and I'm still having a reaction to them.
The area doesn't feel painful, itchy, or tight - it feels like normal skin except a little rougher and red. Has anyone ever heard of vicryl sutures failing to dissolve?  How can I tell, short of cutting the area back open, whether there still might be stitches hanging around in there?
Thanks!

[325crystal]

My husband had foot surgery and still had vicryl sutures coming out after a year, so not everyone absorbs those sutures just fine.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Vicryl sutures normally dissolve by 70 days or 21/2 months. So after 9 months, it is unlikely to be due to vicryl. It could be an allergic reaction or dermatitis or redness due to skin tightness. Since there is no pain, chances of underlying abscess are less. However, please consult your surgeon as redness should not persist after so long.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[laci25]

I would suggest calling your doctor to get his/her opinion.  Maybe they will have you come back in so they can check it out to make sure the healing is going ok.  I have had a pretty deep cut on my finger that actually still hurt a month or two after it healed. I asked my dr about it and he said that just because it is healed on the outside, the inside can still take a while to heal completely.  It may just be that your cut is taking more time to heal on the inside.  But, your best answer will come from your dr.  Good luck! :)