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Stitches Removal


Why is this procedure done?


Stitches are also called sutures. Stitches close a skin cut or wound. They close cuts that are deep or bleeding. Stitches work well for cuts with jagged edges, or those that have fat or muscle showing. Stitches help the skin to heal the right way. The doctor sews the skin together with special kinds of thread. Stitches are used to fix cuts on the outside of the skin. Doctors also use stitches to fix cuts made in surgery and cuts inside the body. The doctor uses stitches to control bleeding. Some stitches need to be taken out. Others melt away or dissolve as the wound heals. There are two kinds of stitches. ‚  
  • One kind is mostly used inside the body. The doctor may also use them to sew the skin. This kind of stitches dissolves on its own and does not need to be taken out. These are absorbable stitches.
  • Another kind is used on the outside of the body. These have to be taken out when the cut is healed all the way. These are nonabsorbable stitches.

The doctor takes most stitches out within 7 to 10 days after they are put in. The amount of time that the stitches stay in depends on how bad the cut is and where the cut is on your body. Stitches that stay in too long may cause scars, and may be hard to take out. If the doctor takes the stitches out too soon, the cut may open up again. ‚  


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What happens during the procedure?


The doctor cleans the skin with antiseptic. The doctor uses special tools to pick up the knot at the end of the stitch. The doctor raises it away from the skin to show a small part of the stitch. Then, the doctor uses very sharp small scissors or a sharp knife blade to cut the stitch. Then, the doctor can pull the stitch out of the skin. This is repeated until all the stitches are taken out. The doctor cleans the cut and puts small strips or a special sticky tape 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
  • 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 stitches 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 stitches or sticky tape.

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 stitches come out before the time scheduled to take them out

Where can I learn more?


KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/kid/ill_injure/aches/stitches.html# ‚  

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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