 [ Symptoms ] how long does it take for internal sutures to dissolve for groin hernia repairs [ Disease ] there is no straightforward answer to your question because everyone heals at a different rate in general internal sutures are meant to dissolve  however the process of suture breakdown inside the body occurs gradually it can take weeks or even months for internal sutures to dissolve and sometimes they do not dissolve at all it is not uncommon for a knot in the suture to work its way to the surface of the skin after several weeks creating a lump that may burst to reveal a yellowish fluid which is not an infection it is coloration from the content of the suture sometimes a short section of the incision will open up and a small piece of suture may emerge afterwards the body re heals the suture line any of these things can be a normal consequence of surgery it is also normal for the surgical area to feel hard for some time after surgery at first this is caused by the internal suture material or the material used to repair the hernia as scar tissue forms it can cause this firmness to persist if you have any questions about your surgical site please consult your surgeon for information specific to your case wishing you well