When the skin is cut deeply by an injury or a surgical incision, suturing, or getting “stitches,” is often necessary. Stitches use surgical thread to hold the separated edges of the wound together, stabilizing the tissue. This closure allows the body’s natural healing mechanisms to bridge the gap, form new tissue, reduce contamination risk, and minimize scarring. Understanding the sensations at each phase helps manage expectations about the discomfort involved.
Pain During Placement
The immediate procedure of receiving stitches is generally managed effectively to prevent pain during the actual suturing. Healthcare providers use a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, which is injected into the tissue surrounding the wound site to numb the area completely. This injection is typically the most intense sensation experienced during the entire placement process.
The anesthetic medication is often slightly acidic, causing a brief, sharp sting or burning feeling as it enters the tissue. This discomfort lasts only a few seconds. Once the area is numb, the provider cleans the wound and places the sutures without causing pain. Patients typically report feeling only pressure or tugging as the needle and thread pass through the skin.
Pain During Recovery
The most common time for pain is after the local anesthetic wears off, which typically occurs within a few hours. It is normal to experience soreness, throbbing, or tightness around the wound area. This discomfort is a natural part of the inflammatory phase of wound healing, where the body sends immune cells to the site to begin tissue repair.
This acute pain is usually most noticeable for the first 24 to 72 hours following the procedure, often accompanied by mild swelling and redness. After this initial period, the discomfort should steadily improve, transitioning into a dull ache or mild tenderness. Wounds over joints or areas of high movement may feel persistent tightness or pulling because the stitches create tension to hold the skin edges together.
An increase in pain after the initial few days, especially if it is worsening instead of improving, is not a typical part of the healing process. Escalating pain, along with signs like spreading redness, warmth, or yellow or green discharge (pus), can indicate a developing infection. Any sudden, severe pain or the sensation that the wound edges are pulling apart should prompt immediate medical consultation.
Pain During Removal
The removal of stitches is a much quicker and simpler process than their placement and is rarely painful. Since the wound has already healed sufficiently to hold itself closed, no anesthesia is needed for this step. A healthcare professional uses specialized scissors to clip the thread near the knot and then gently pulls the suture material out.
The sensation is most often described as a mild tugging, pulling, or tickling feeling as the thread slides through the healed skin. If the stitches have been in place for the appropriate length of time, they should slide out easily. Minimal discomfort may occur if the skin has slightly grown around the thread.
Pain Management and Signs of Trouble
Managing the expected discomfort during recovery can be done effectively with over-the-counter pain relief medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce both pain and inflammation around the wound. It is important to follow the dosage instructions precisely for safety and effectiveness.
Applying a cold compress or ice pack can also help reduce swelling and numb the local nerve endings, providing temporary relief. The ice should be wrapped in a thin towel and applied for about 15 to 20 minutes every few hours. Keeping the injured area elevated above the heart, particularly in the first 48 hours, will further assist in reducing swelling and subsequent pain.
Watch for specific signs that indicate a complication, such as infection or delayed healing, which require immediate medical attention. These signs include pain that does not improve with medication, spreading redness, a foul odor, or increased drainage. A fever or red streaks extending away from the wound are serious indicators of a spreading infection.