Staple Removal
Available at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations
Professional Staple Removal When Your Wound Has Healed
Staple removal is a simple medical procedure that should be performed by trained healthcare professionals to ensure proper healing and minimize scarring. Our medical providers safely remove surgical staples, assess wound healing, and provide aftercare instructions to support continued recovery. Walk-ins welcome at both Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations, open daily 8am-8pm.
When to Seek Staple Removal
- Staples have been in place for the recommended timeframe (typically 7-14 days depending on location)
- Your surgeon or healthcare provider indicated staples are ready for removal
- Wound edges appear well-approximated and healed
- No signs of active infection (redness, warmth, drainage)
- You were instructed to have staples removed at an urgent care facility
- Primary care provider is unavailable for scheduled removal
- Staples are causing discomfort or irritation
- You need wound assessment after staple removal
How We Safely Remove Staples
Our medical providers use sterile technique and specialized staple removal tools to ensure safe, comfortable removal. We thoroughly assess wound healing before removal, gently extract each staple, and evaluate the incision site for proper closure. Our approach prioritizes patient comfort while maintaining the highest standards of wound care.
What to Expect During Staple Removal
Diagnostic Capabilities
Post-Removal Care & Healing
After staple removal, most wounds continue healing for several weeks. Keep the area clean and dry for 24-48 hours, then resume normal bathing. Avoid strenuous activity that could stress the incision for at least one week. Watch for signs of wound separation, increased redness, or drainage. Contact your surgeon if you notice any concerning changes. Most incisions continue to strengthen and fade over 6-12 months. 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
No appointment is necessary. We welcome walk-ins daily from 8am to 8pm at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations. However, please bring any discharge instructions from your surgery, as these often specify the recommended timing for staple removal.
Staple removal timing depends on the location and type of surgery. According to medical guidelines, facial staples are typically removed in 3-5 days, scalp staples in 7-10 days, trunk and upper extremity staples in 7-10 days, and lower extremity staples in 10-14 days. Your surgeon should have provided specific instructions. If you're unsure, bring your discharge paperwork and our medical providers can assess whether removal is appropriate.
Most patients report minimal discomfort during staple removal. You may feel a slight pinching or tugging sensation as each staple is extracted, but the procedure is generally quick and well-tolerated. Our medical providers use gentle technique to minimize any discomfort. The sensation is typically much less than the original injury or surgery.
Please bring your photo ID, insurance card, and most importantly, any discharge instructions or paperwork from your surgery. This documentation helps us confirm the appropriate timing for removal and any special considerations for your wound. Also bring a list of current medications if you're taking antibiotics or other post-surgical medications.
We can safely remove staples from most surgical incisions, including orthopedic procedures, general surgery, and laceration repairs. However, some complex surgical wounds may require removal by your surgeon. If you have concerns about whether your staples should be removed at urgent care, call ahead or bring your surgical discharge instructions for our medical providers to review.
Our medical providers will thoroughly assess your wound before removing staples. If the wound edges are not adequately approximated or show signs of poor healing, we may recommend delaying removal and will coordinate with your surgeon. Patient safety is our priority, and we follow evidence-based protocols to ensure wounds are ready for staple removal.
Depending on the wound assessment, our medical providers may apply wound closure strips (Steri-Strips) to provide additional support during continued healing. We'll also provide specific instructions about keeping the area clean, when you can shower, and what activities to avoid. If needed, we can apply a light dressing for protection.
Contact your surgeon or return to urgent care if you notice wound edges separating, increased redness or warmth, drainage or pus, fever, or increasing pain after staple removal. While rare, wound dehiscence (separation) can occur and requires prompt medical attention. Most wounds continue healing normally, but it's important to monitor for these warning signs.
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.