Stitches

Can you go swimming with disolveable stitches?

I had keyhole surgery about 2 weeks ago, I still have the stitches in, and still have the bits of tape they "criss-cross" over the stitches to keep the skin tight (they told me not to pull these off, but to leave them until they fall off naturally) Is it ok to go swimming? I would have to pull the bits of tape off or I'll look odd. But as far as the stitches go, is it ok? Will they dissolve from the chlorine/chemicals in the pool?

Public Comments

1. you probably shouldnt risk it
2. Just wait until the tape falls off. The Dr has a reason to suggest you leave the tape on.
3. I would wait, and if you were going to call your doctor. And it doesn't matter if they look silly leave them on if you are gonna swim anyway.
4. do not take off the little bandages. i had acl surgery and he did dissolvable stitches. if it has been over 3 weeks than yes you should be able to go swimming, but after you go make sure you put rubbing alcohol or peroxcide so it doesnt get infected
5. No, you should wait until the stitches have healed. You don't want to risk the possibility of infection of your surgical site.