At-home healing after surgery can be quite the process. Food and drink restrictions, pain management, and limitation of movement are all part of the plan.
Getting your stitches or sutures out properly can often fall under the “properly” category and can lead some people to avoid getting them out at the office lest they accidentally ruin their healing.
Don’t worry; we’re here to help. Read on for everything you need to know about how to remove sutures after a procedure.
Cutting Stitches
To remove sutures, first cut the stitch with scissors. Next, pull the stitch out slowly. You may need to use tweezers to grab the end of the stitch.
You may feel discomfort, but it should not be too painful. Finally, wash the area with soap and water.
Pulling Stitches
Removing sutures, or “pulling stitches,” is a simple process that can be done at home. First, sterilize a pair of tweezers with rubbing alcohol. Next, gently grasp the suture with the tweezers and pull it straight out.
If the suture is challenging to remove, moisten it with warm water to lubricate. Finally, apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound to help prevent infection.
Cleaning the Wound
If your doctor has removed your stitches, you don’t need to do anything special to care for the wound. Just keep it clean and dry. You may cover it with a bandage if it drains or rubs against your clothing.
You can also shower, but don’t soak the wound in water. Gently clean the wound with soap and water daily. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
Apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound if your doctor recommends it.
Dressing the Wound
Most minor wounds will heal on their own without the need for sutures. However, if you have a deep cut or laceration, you will likely need to have sutures placed by a healthcare professional.
If the wound is ready to be closed, remove the old dressing. If the damage is not prepared to be completed, remove any drainage tubes, and proceed to the next step.
If the suture is buried, use tweezers to remove it. If needed, rinse the wound with saline.
Supplies Needed
To remove sutures, you will need a pair of surgical scissors and a pair of needle drivers. First, clip the suture with the scissors at the skin level. You will also need a small gauge needle and some sterile saline.
Next, poke the needle through the skin and grab the suture with the needle drivers. Pull the suture through the skin and cut it with the scissors. Finally, flush the wound with the saline and apply a bandage.
If you want to learn about removing sutures, take a look at the practice suture kit store.
Understanding How to Remove Sutures
If you have removable sutures, your doctor or nurse will tell you when and how to remove them. If you have dissolvable sutures, they will eventually dissolve on their own. In the meantime, follow your doctor’s instructions on how to remove sutures.
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