@moorjan3: There are various types of sutures, for instance vicryl, monocryl or fast-absorbing - although the latter are generally not used in the lip area due to a weaker hold. The type of suture is based on provider preference generally based upon past experience. However, it is true that most of the actual holding power in the former two lose their strength after the first month although the actual thread can take longer to completely disappear - hence, the longer "recovery" time for complete absorption. For some people, it may be a shorter duration and for others longer - though one may not even be aware of this process. My background is in nursing so I tend to look at it from that perspective and it's not meant to be confusing, apologies if it added to your distress!

Kenalog could certainly be a good option as it sounds like you're doing everything you can to ease the discomfort. What this corticosteroid could do if you don't relieve the discomfort is essentially target the collegen to break down scar formation that may be contributing to the problems you're reporting.

Can you report back next week as to your progress?