Foreign Body Removal
Available at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations
Safe Foreign Body Removal - Expert Care When You Need It
Foreign body removal requires careful evaluation and specialized techniques to safely extract objects from eyes, ears, nose, skin, or wounds without causing additional injury. Our medical providers use advanced equipment and proven protocols to remove foreign objects quickly while minimizing discomfort and preventing complications. Walk-ins welcome at both Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations, open daily 8am-8pm.
When to Seek Foreign Body Removal
- Object visible in eye, ear, nose, or skin that won't come out
- Sharp pain or discomfort at the site of foreign object
- Bleeding from the affected area
- Swelling, redness, or signs of infection around foreign body
- Vision changes or eye pain from foreign object
- Difficulty hearing or ear pain from object in ear canal
- Difficulty breathing if object is in nose (especially children)
- Embedded splinter, glass, or metal fragment in skin
- Foreign object in wound that occurred more than 6 hours ago
- Inability to remove object safely at home
- Object that has moved deeper or broken during removal attempts
- Concern about infection or complications from foreign body
How We Safely Remove Foreign Bodies
Our medical providers use specialized instruments and techniques tailored to each type of foreign body and location. We begin with thorough evaluation to determine the safest removal method, then use appropriate anesthesia or numbing agents to minimize discomfort. Our on-site equipment allows us to handle most foreign body removals without referral, and we provide complete wound care and infection prevention following removal.
What to Expect During Foreign Body Removal
Diagnostic Capabilities
Recovery & Wound Care After Removal
Most patients experience immediate relief once the foreign body is removed. Keep the area clean and dry for 24-48 hours, and follow all wound care instructions provided. Watch for signs of infection including increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus. Most minor removals heal within 3-7 days. Return for follow-up if you notice any concerning symptoms or if healing is delayed. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. For urgent but non-emergency conditions, visit True Compassion Urgent Care at either our Palm Beach Gardens or Stuart location. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Available at Both Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
We can safely remove most foreign bodies from eyes, ears, nose, skin, and superficial wounds. This includes splinters, glass fragments, metal pieces, insects, and other common objects. However, deeply embedded objects, those near vital structures, or objects requiring surgical removal may need referral to a specialist. Our medical providers will evaluate your situation and determine the safest approach.
We use local anesthesia or numbing medications to minimize discomfort during removal. You may feel pressure or slight discomfort, but most patients report the procedure is much less painful than expected. The relief from having the object removed typically outweighs any temporary discomfort from the procedure itself.
No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are welcome at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations, open daily 8am-8pm. We recommend coming in as soon as possible after a foreign body enters the body to reduce infection risk and make removal easier.
Bring your photo ID, insurance card if applicable, and a list of current medications. If you know when your last tetanus shot was, that information is helpful. If the foreign body entered through an injury, try to remember details about how it happened and what the object was made of.
According to medical guidelines, antibiotics are prescribed based on several factors including the type of object, how long it was embedded, signs of infection, and the location of the wound. Not all foreign body removals require antibiotics. Our medical providers will assess your specific situation and send a prescription to your pharmacy if antibiotics are medically indicated.
Yes, we frequently treat children with foreign objects in the nose or ear. Our medical providers are experienced in working with pediatric patients and use age-appropriate techniques. We understand children may be anxious and work to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Parents are welcome to stay with their child throughout the procedure.
Seek emergency care immediately if the foreign body is causing severe bleeding that won't stop, difficulty breathing, severe eye pain with vision loss, chest or abdominal penetration, or if the object is near vital structures like major blood vessels. Also seek emergency care for button batteries in the nose or throat, as these require immediate removal to prevent serious injury.
Stop trying to remove it yourself and come to urgent care. Attempting repeated removal at home can push fragments deeper, cause more tissue damage, or increase infection risk. Our medical providers have specialized tools and techniques to safely locate and remove broken fragments that may not be visible on the surface.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content on this page is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition.
In case of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Do not rely on this information for emergency medical treatment.
No physician-patient relationship is created by viewing this content. This information does not replace in-person evaluation and treatment by a licensed medical professional.
Ready to Get Care?
Walk-ins welcome at both locations. Open daily 8am-8pm.