Surgical stitches, also known as sutures, are medical devices that hold body tissues together after an injury or surgery. Their purpose is to facilitate healing by bringing wound edges close, promoting natural closure and minimizing infection risk. Stitches are temporary, providing support while the body heals.
The Stitch Removal Procedure
The removal of stitches is performed by a healthcare professional. Before removal, the wound area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. The provider assesses the wound’s healing progress, ensuring it has closed sufficiently to prevent reopening.
The removal process is quick and straightforward. Using sterile instruments like forceps and small surgical scissors, the professional gently lifts each stitch’s knot. Scissors snip the thread close to the skin. The stitch is then gently pulled out through the skin with forceps, ensuring the knot does not pass back through the healing tissue.
Patients may feel a slight tugging, pulling, or tickling during stitch removal. The procedure is not painful and rarely requires anesthesia. Mild discomfort can occur, but significant pain is uncommon; communicate any discomfort to your provider. The entire process is usually completed quickly.
Post-Removal Care and Important Considerations
Immediately after stitch removal, the wound area might appear slightly red, and a healing scar will be visible. While external wound edges are closed, underlying tissues continue to heal and strengthen for weeks to months. The skin remains delicate and susceptible to re-injury or infection.
Cleaning the newly exposed wound area is important for post-removal care. Healthcare providers advise gently washing the area with mild soap and water, then patting it dry. Petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment can be applied to keep the wound moist and aid healing. Avoid hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can slow the healing process.
Protecting the healing skin involves several considerations. Patients should avoid excessive tension or stretching on the wound, especially if it is located over a joint, as this can lead to reopening. Sun exposure should also be limited for several months, as new scars are highly susceptible to sunburn and hyperpigmentation. Regular moisturization and scar massage, once the wound is fully closed and no longer tender, can also contribute to optimal scar appearance.
Monitoring the wound for signs of potential complications is also important. Contacting a healthcare professional is advised if there is increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pain around the wound. Other warning signs include pus or discolored discharge, a foul smell, fever, or if the wound reopens. Prompt medical attention for these symptoms helps prevent more serious issues like infection or delayed healing.