When can you remove stitches?

Have you ever been stitched up and wondered when it’s time to get them removed? Maybe you’re considering removing them yourself, or maybe you just want to know how long they’ll stay in place so that you can plan your next wild adventure.

Well, look no further! In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about removing stitches in a way that will make even the most uptight surgeon crack a smile.

What are stitches?

Let’s start with the basics: what exactly are these “stitches” anyway? Are they tiny little people who wander around inside of our bodies sewing us back together like some sort of medical fairytale? Unfortunately not (although that would be pretty cool).

Stitches, also known as sutures (but let’s stick with ‘stiches’ – because SUTURE sounds too official), are little threads or strands made from materials such as cotton, silk or nylon which are used to hold pieces of skin or other tissue together after an injury. They basically act like temporary glue for your flesh- wound lips. As always though (because medicine is boring without) there is still more than one kind of stitch. The basic types include:

  • Absorbable: These fade away on their own over time.
  • Non-absorbable: Someone has to take these out.

So…when do I remove my darned stitches already?!

Ah yes, the main event! When ARE those pesky critters coming out?! Well friend..it depends. Different wounds require different healing times before removal but as a general rule roughly after fourteen days. And just so YOU know,I am making all sorts of air quotes right now “general”. It can depend on things such as:

-The type and size of the wound
-The location where it occurred
-The direction and depth of the incision or cut
-Your overall health and age Because yeah, everything depends on this sht in medicine.

If you’re unsure about when your stitches should be removed – ASK! Like that time you walked into a clothing store and asked if they had any human sized hamster wheels (don’t lie)!

Remover beware: What to consider before taking out those threads

So maybe you’ve decided you want to take matters into your own hands by removing them yourself. Hey I get it, sometimes we all think we’re Dr. House without the God complex & Vicodin addiction . BUTTTT there are some things to keep in mind

  • Are the stitches well-formed and still securely fastened? If not..well go back asking.

-Be sure to have proper stitching scissors/forceps On second thought, don’t try cutting anything with these unless absolutely needed. Best advice here is “DON’T”
-Are things feeling healing up like they should?
-Most importantly – know how many numbers come after 9 (did ya count ’em already?)

I know what YOU’RE thinking…what does counting have anything remotely related?! Wellll how ELSE would I check if my patient has tetanus from their pet rat?!

How do doctors remove stitches?

In case trying for that career change just didn’t pay off remember, perhaps better left alone by professionals trained for such…but here’s a brief rundown of what docs typically do when they’re removing your sutures:

  1. Assess whether it’s time for stitch removal – aka nearly two weeks later.

  2. Cleanse the area around the wound thoroughly so as not create an infection site right after being proud of no more threads hold my flap shut!

  3. Use sterile instruments like forceps/scissors/knives/supported sharp looks gave us /laser beams(!) to snip the stitches free.

  4. Remove any remaining fragments of the stitch.

  5. Inspect the wound again for cleanliness and readiness for closure or further care.
    Yeah, that all sounds totes simple right?

Can you take your own stitches out?

Sure, if ya want, but personally I wouldn’t because I know me – a slip here and there could ruin my whole day! And also it’s umm ILLEGAL anyways (but let’s not get picky now). If YOU choose to go rogue REMEMBER important things

-Think overall hygiene pre-careful consideration
-Make sure instruments are as sterile and clean as possible without barbecuing them with bleach agents etc…

Here are step-by-step instructions just in case have decided emergencies happen on a Sunday night before work:

1: Use rubbing alcohol/ hydrogen peroxide solution on tweezers/scissors which would be safest home emergency equipment)

2: Cleanse area around sutures thoroughly
3: Apply gentle tension against skin holding each knot individually then with scissors cut above each one getting rid of frisky strings running amuck!
4: Watch closely so you don’t end up accidentally cutting yourself:
(the definition “adding insult to injury” comes from moments like this)
5: If pain occurs consider sticking through Next flowers basket delivery at least!

So in conclusion… When do you remove stitches?

Removing YOUR ‘stitches’ usually happens about two weeks after they were first attached by Dr Frankenstein when it is felt that sufficient healing has taken place- unless otherwise indicated.

Footnotes

=And BOY does THIS sound boring.

= Or even beyond.....

=Glad someone agrees 😉

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