Stitches

(Closing a laceration, or cut, to the skin)

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Stitches, or sutures, close cuts or wounds. Absorbable sutures slowly dissolve and do not need to be removed. Nonabsorbable sutures are removed once the wound has healed.

Patient Advice

Overall Rating
3
average of all patients
Pain
Pain is 2 of 10
Inconvenience
Inconvenience is 4 of 10

About the rating

Preparation for Getting Stitches:
“Be fully informed as to what is to take place.”

“The worst part of it will probably be waiting a long time in the emergency room or doctor’s office.”

“Ask for a specialist — a plastic surgeon or a doctor who specializes in the body part that needs to be stitched — to examine you before treatment if you think it is warranted.”

“Request anti-nausea medication if you feel sick.”

During and After Stitches:
“Do not hesitate to tell the doctor if you have pain or discomfort.”

“Be clear about follow-up before you leave the ER or your doctor’s office.”

“Carefully follow the instructions as to medications and after-care.”

 

Patient Stories

Stitches

He numbed my knee (“you’re going to feel a slight ‘pinch’ here” which is usually the 2nd biggest lie in the world), and set about with his needle and heavy-duty thread. Read More

David, male, 40, Pennsylvania

Stitches

I slashed my finger when a bowl dropped, cracked and fell on my finger. The cut was deep and opened up a long flap of skin. The doctor said a tendon was injured and that the wound needed stitches. Read More

Ken, male, 44, Basel, Switzerland

 
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