How do they remove stitches

In this article, we discuss when it is safe for a person to remove their stitches themselves and how to do it. We also cover what to do afterward and when to see a doctor. A doctor or nurse can make sure that the wound has healed and that the stitches are ready to come out. They can also ensure the safe removal of the stitches to minimize the risk of infection.

Some people may prefer to remove their stitches themselves. In this case, it is essential to check with a healthcare professional that it is safe to take out the stitches before doing so. To remove their stitches safely, a person will need some basic equipment. They will also need to take some simple precautions to reduce the risk of infection. It is essential that people do not remove their stitches until the wound has had sufficient time to heal.

General guidelines on how long to wait before removing stitches are:. However, recovery time will vary from person to person and depends on several factors, including:. A healed wound will usually look pink with closed edges. It should not feel painful, and there should be no blood or fluid coming from it. However, it is best for a person to check with a healthcare professional before removing their stitches at home.

Before removing stitches, it is essential for a person to check that the wound has healed properly and that they have all the necessary equipment at hand. The method for removal depends on the type of stitching.

Topic Contents When are stitches and staples removed? How are stitches and staples removed? What can you expect after stitches and staples are removed? When should you call for help? Where can you learn more? Top of the page. Learning About Stitches and Staples Removal.

When are stitches and staples removed? You will either be seated or lying down. To remove stitches, the doctor will use scissors to cut each of the knots and then pull the threads out. To remove staples, the doctor will use a tool to take out the staples one at a time. The area may still feel tender after the stitches or staples are gone. Doctors have many different kinds of thread, called sutures say: SOO-churz , including some made of nylon, silk, and vicryl say: VY-kril.

Vicryl thread actually dissolves in your skin, so you don't even need to get those stitches removed. This kind of thread is used mostly on the lips, face, or in the mouth. Another way of closing a cut is to use glue!

Sometimes, if a cut isn't too deep or wide, and is on a flat area like the forehead, the doctor will use special skin glue to keep the cut's edges together until it heals. It usually dissolves by itself in 7 to 10 days. Another option for tiny cuts is a small sticky strip called a butterfly bandage. It keeps the edges of a shallow cut together for a few days, and then it usually comes off in the bath. If you need stitches, the nurse or assistant will usually start by putting a numbing gel on top of the cut.

When the skin is numb, he or she will begin cleaning your cut with sterile water, which is squirted into the cut to remove harmful germs and dirt. You're probably wondering if this will hurt. Actually, you won't feel much pain at all during the cleaning and sewing of the cut. Sometimes a liquid numbing medicine will be put into the skin with a small needle.

These substances, called anesthetics say: an-es-THEH-tiks , may numb the area so you feel hardly any pain at all. It's a lot like the medicine used to numb your mouth when you have a cavity filled. For tips from our Medical co-author, including how to provide aftercare to your wound, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.

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Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. In some cases, you absolutely shouldn't remove your own stitches. If your stitches were inserted after a surgical procedure, or if the recommended healing time usually days hasn't elapsed, removing them yourself can put you at greater risk for infection and may prevent your body from healing properly.

Your skin needs to have grown back together before your stitches are removed. If you do it at home, you may not be getting the care you require. If you want to double check whether it's OK to remove your stitches, give your doctor a call. They will let you know whether it's safe enough to do it yourself.

However, they will likely recommend you come into the office to get your stitches removed. If your wound looks as if it's getting red or more sore, do not remove your stitches—go to your doctor. You may have an infection.

Keep in mind that in many cases, you can get your stitches removed without going through the regular doctor's appointment process. You might be able to walk right in for a quick stitch removal. It's likely that a nurse can check your wound and remove the stitches if the wound has healed. Call your doctor and ask. Choose a tool to cut your stitches.

Sharp nail scissors may also work. Avoid using any type of blunt edge, and don't use a knife—it's too easy for knives to slip. Sterilize your scissors and a pair of tweezers in boiling water. Drop them in a pot of boiling water, cover the pot, and let the tools boil for at least 20 minutes.

This will ensure the scissors and tweezers don't transfer bacteria to your body. Gather bandages and antibiotic ointment. There are a few other things you should have on hand.