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After a wound has been sutured, the next step is suture removal. The doctor will inform the patient of the scheduled suture removal date after completing the suturing procedure, depending on the wound’s location. Some areas may take longer to heal than others. When it comes time for suture removal, many may wonder whether it hurts and what the process entails. Intouch Medicare has the answers – let’s take a look!
Interesting Facts About Suture Removal
What is suture removal?
Suture removal is the process of cutting the stitches used to close a wound, which can be made of silk thread or synthetic material, commonly referred to as “sutures” The timing for suture removal varies depending on the location of the stitches.
There is no fixed schedule for this process, but the general rule is that removing sutures sooner reduces the likelihood of scarring. If the wound is healing well, there is no need to keep the sutures in place.
Leaving sutures in for too long can lead to infection or pus/abscess formation at the stitch site. 
When should you have sutures removed?
In general, doctors recommend removing sutures 7-10 days after the wound has been stitched, depending on the location and type of wound
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For facial wounds, sutures may be removed 4-7 days after stitching.
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For wounds near joints that experience constant movement, such as the elbow or knee, sutures are typically removed 10-14 days after stitching.
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For other areas of the body, sutures are usually removed 7-10 days post-suturing.
It’s important to follow the timeline set by your doctor for suture removal. Leaving sutures in too long can lead to infection or other complications. If the wound separates slightly after suture removal, you can gently bring the edges together using adhesive bandages for 2-3 days.
What types of sutures are there?
Absorbable Sutures
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These are used for internal wounds (such as those on the inside of the lips) or clean wounds, like episiotomies after childbirth. Absorbable sutures dissolve due to enzymes or the body’s immune response, causing them to break down slowly over time. As the sutures dissolve, their tensile strength decreases.
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However, this process may cause slight inflammation, which is why absorbable sutures are generally not used for external accident wounds. If left in the body for too long, especially in contaminated wounds, they can increase the risk of infection compared to clean wounds.
Non-Absorbable Sutures
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These sutures are typically used for general wounds, such as external accident injuries. Non-absorbable sutures have little to no effect on inflammation at the wound site, resulting in a lower risk of increased inflammation.
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Additionally, this type of suture allows for better control of tension at the wound site, as the tensile strength does not decrease as significantly over time compared to absorbable sutures. Therefore, non-absorbable sutures are more commonly used for general wound closure.
Steps for Suture Removal
Patients may feel slight tightness in the wound area during the removal process. The steps are as follows
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Carefully remove the gauze covering the wound.
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Before removing the sutures, dry the wound by gently wiping it with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol until it is clean.
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The doctor or nurse will use forceps to grasp the area just beneath the knot of the suture and lift it slightly.
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Next, using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the suture close to the skin beneath the knot, then gently pull the suture out. If the edges of the wound start to separate, stop and cover the area with a material that can help hold the edges together.
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After the sutures are removed, clean the area again with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol.
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Cover the area with a thin layer of gauze, ensuring that the wound remains clean and protected from dirt.
What are the consequences of forgetting to remove sutures?
If sutures are not removed, any remaining sutures in the body for an extended period can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and result in inflammation or infection.
Additionally, sutures are considered foreign objects by the body. The presence of sutures can stimulate our immune system, causing a reaction to the remaining sutures
and leading to chronic inflammation, pain, or itching – even without the necessity of an infection. 
Which types of wounds require suture removal?
Generally, the doctor will inform you after suturing whether the stitches need to be removed. Wounds sutured with non-absorbable sutures will require removal.
Which types of wounds do not require suture removal?
Wounds that do not require suture removal are those sutured with absorbable sutures. However, if these wounds become inflamed or infected , the doctor may need to remove some of the sutures to relieve the inflammation and infection.
Cost of Suture Removal
Intouch Medicare Clinic offers suture removal services starting at 790 Baht.
Note:
1. This price does not include the cost of medications.
2. The necessity of suture removal will depend on the physician’s diagnosis.
For more info and make appointment
Jittiwat Amnouypon ,M.D.
General Practitioner
Latest edit : 14/05/2025
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