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Staple Removal


Why is this procedure done?


The doctor sometimes uses special metal staples to close a skin cut or wound. Staples let the skin heal the right way. The staples hold the skin cut together. Staples fix cuts on the outside of the skin. The doctor takes the staples out when the cut is healed all the way. The staples must come out since they are metal. ‚  
Most often, staples are taken out within 7 to 10 days. This will depend on how bad the cut is. It will also depend on where the cut is on your body. Staples that stay in too long may cause scars. They can also be hard to take out. The cut may open up again if the staples are not in long enough. ‚  


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What happens during the procedure?


The doctor cleans the wound with antiseptic. The doctor uses a special tool to pick up the staple. This raises the staple away from the skin and opens it up. The tool pulls the staple out of the skin. The doctor will repeat this until all the staples are gone. The doctor will clean the cut site. Small strips or a special sticky tape may be placed over the cut to protect it. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Leave the sticky strips over the cut until they fall off or as directed by your doctor.
  • Talk to your doctor about how to care for your wound. Ask your doctor about:
    • When you should change your bandages
    • When you may take a bath or shower
    • If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
    • When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Infection
  • Wound reopens
  • Scarring
  • Pain
  • Large, firm scar tissue forms. This is a keloid and is more often seen in African-Americans.

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Be sure to follow up and have your staples taken out as directed.
  • Follow proper wound care to avoid infection.
  • Protect the wound from being reinjured.
  • Certain health problems like high blood sugar or long-term steroid use may affect wound healing. Make sure you take all drugs as ordered by your doctor.
  • Do not pull on or pick at the staples or tape strips.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
  • Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
  • Any of your staples come out before the time scheduled to take them out

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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