What are sutures?
Sutures, also known as stitches, hold a wound together while it heals. While most minor cuts and scrapes will heal on their own, more severe cuts or incisions from surgery may require stitches to hold the tissue together while it heals.
A cut may need stitches if it is:
- Deep, jagged, or gaping
- On the face or part of the body where scarring may be an issue
- Bleeding profusely
- Feels numb
- On the hand or limb, and the extremity is no longer functioning properly after being cut.
Once the sutures have been placed, the doctor or nurse will provide detailed care instructions and indicate how long the stitches must be kept in place.
Depending on the type of cut and where it is located, the physician may opt to use dissolving sutures. These do not need to be removed and will dissolve on their own. In other cases, the physician will opt to use sutures that will need to be removed by a nurse or doctor, requiring the patient to return.
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When Should Sutures be Removed?
Stitches typically need to remain in place for a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of the cut and its location. Your doctor will let you know when your sutures can be removed.
Removing stitches is generally a simple and pain-free procedure: the physician cuts the thread near each knot and pulls them out. You will feel a slight tugging sensation and may experience some slight discomfort, but the procedure shouldn’t be painful. While removing your stitches, your physician will also examine your wound to ensure it is healing correctly.
During healing, keep your wound clean and dry. Do not soak the wound or swim until sutures have been removed. Do not use creams or ointments unless recommended by your doctors. Follow the care instructions given by your doctor.
Aftercare Following Suture Removal
While your wound may look much better after your sutures are removed, it is important to still take care of your cut to prevent it from re-opening. Continue to keep the area clean and dry and follow any specific recommendations from your physician.
When Should I Get My Wound Looked At?
If you are concerned that your wound isn’t healing correctly, it is important to contact your physician as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, contact your doctor to discuss your options and the best course of treatment:
- Fever within 48 hours of suturing
- Redness
- Swelling
- Increased pain
- Excessive or persistent oozing
- Smelly discharge or pus
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