Stitch Removal
Available at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations
Professional Stitch Removal When Your Wound Has Healed
Stitch removal is a simple medical procedure that removes sutures once your wound has adequately healed, typically 5-14 days after placement depending on the location and type of injury. Our medical providers perform gentle suture removal with thorough wound assessment to ensure proper healing has occurred. Walk-ins welcome at both Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations, open daily 8am-8pm, no appointment needed.
When to Seek Stitch Removal
- Sutures have been in place for the recommended timeframe (typically 5-14 days)
- Wound edges appear well-approximated and healed
- No signs of active infection (redness, warmth, drainage)
- Your original provider recommended removal at this time
- Stitches are causing discomfort or irritation
- You're unable to return to the facility that placed the sutures
- Dissolvable stitches haven't dissolved as expected
- You need wound assessment after suture removal
- Concern about wound healing progress
- Need documentation of suture removal for work or school
Our Stitch Removal Process
Our medical providers carefully assess your wound healing before removing sutures to ensure the tissue has adequately bonded. We use sterile technique and gentle removal methods to minimize discomfort. Each visit includes comprehensive wound evaluation, assessment for signs of infection or dehiscence, and clear aftercare instructions to protect the healing tissue.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Diagnostic Capabilities
Post-Removal Care & Healing
After suture removal, the wound site typically continues strengthening for several weeks. Keep the area clean and dry for 24-48 hours, then gentle washing is acceptable. Avoid strenuous activity that could stress the wound for 1-2 weeks. Apply sunscreen to the healed area for several months to minimize scarring. Watch for signs of wound separation, increased redness, or drainage. Most wounds continue gaining tensile strength for up to 6 months after closure. 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 documentation from when your stitches were placed, including information about the recommended removal timeframe.
Suture removal timing depends on the wound location and type. According to medical guidelines, facial sutures are typically removed in 5-7 days, scalp and trunk sutures in 7-10 days, and extremity sutures in 10-14 days. Our medical providers will assess your specific wound to determine if healing is adequate for safe removal.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during suture removal. You may feel a slight tugging or pulling sensation, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated. Our medical providers use gentle technique to minimize any discomfort. If you're particularly anxious, let us know and we can take extra time to ensure your comfort.
We can remove sutures placed at other facilities, including emergency departments, other urgent care centers, or surgical centers. Please bring any discharge instructions or documentation you received when the sutures were placed, as this helps us understand the original wound and recommended removal timing.
Yes, if dissolvable sutures haven't absorbed as expected and are causing irritation or concern, our medical providers can remove them. Dissolvable sutures typically absorb within 1-3 weeks for fast-absorbing types or 6-8 weeks for longer-lasting types, but individual healing varies.
Please bring your photo ID, insurance card, and any documentation from when your stitches were placed. This includes discharge instructions, wound care information, and the recommended removal date. Also bring a list of current medications and any concerns about your wound healing.
If our medical providers determine your wound hasn't healed adequately, we'll discuss options including leaving sutures in place longer, applying wound closure strips for additional support, or other appropriate interventions. We'll provide clear instructions on when to return for removal and signs to watch for.
Wound closure strips (such as Steri-Strips) may be applied after suture removal to provide additional support while the wound continues gaining strength. Our medical providers will assess your specific wound and determine if strips are beneficial. If applied, they typically fall off naturally within 5-10 days or can be removed as instructed.
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.