Suture removal is the process of cutting and pulling out non-dissolvable stitches from a healed or healing wound. It’s a quick, routine procedure that typically takes just a few minutes and causes minimal discomfort. Most people feel only a slight tugging sensation, and no anesthetic is needed.
Why Some Stitches Need to Be Removed
Stitches come in two main categories: absorbable and non-absorbable. Absorbable stitches break down on their own inside the body over weeks and are commonly used for internal layers of tissue or areas where a follow-up visit would be impractical. Non-absorbable stitches, typically made of nylon, are designed to stay intact indefinitely. They hold wound edges together while your skin heals, but because the body can’t dissolve them, they need to be physically taken out once the wound is strong enough on its own.
If non-absorbable stitches are left in too long, the skin can actually grow over them, making removal more difficult. Delayed removal also increases scarring. That’s why it’s important to keep your follow-up appointment within the timeframe your provider gives you.
When Stitches Come Out by Body Area
The timeline for removal depends on where the wound is, because different parts of the body heal at different speeds. Areas with strong blood supply, like the face, heal faster and get stitches out sooner. Areas that stretch or move a lot, like joints and the trunk, need more time.
- Face and forehead: 5 days
- Scalp: 7 days
- Arms and legs: 7 to 10 days
- Joints (inner/flexor side): 7 to 10 days
- Joints (outer/extensor side): 10 to 14 days
- Chest and abdomen: 12 to 14 days
Your provider may adjust these timelines based on your age, overall health, and how well the wound is healing. People with diabetes or circulation problems, for example, may need stitches to stay in a bit longer.
What Happens During the Procedure
The entire process is straightforward and rarely takes more than a few minutes. A healthcare provider will first clean the wound site with a sterile solution to remove any dried blood or crusted material. This reduces the risk of infection and loosens debris from around the stitches. The provider then uses two instruments: small sterile scissors and forceps (a type of fine-tipped tweezer).
For standard interrupted stitches (the kind where each stitch is tied individually), the provider grasps the knot with forceps, lifts it gently, and slides the tip of the scissors underneath the stitch close to the skin surface. The cut is made on one side only, right below the knot. This is a deliberate technique: the portion of thread that sat on top of your skin, exposed to bacteria, never gets pulled through the tissue. Instead, only the clean portion that was beneath the skin passes through as the provider pulls the stitch out in one smooth motion.
For continuous stitches (a single running thread), the approach is slightly different. The provider snips the first stitch close to the skin, then snips the second stitch on the same side before pulling the thread out by the knotted end. Cutting on the same side prevents any thread from being left buried under the skin.
You may feel a light tug or pulling sensation as each stitch slides out, but it shouldn’t be painful. Most people describe it as odd rather than uncomfortable.
What Happens After Removal
Once the stitches are out, your provider will often apply adhesive strips (commonly called Steri-Strips) across the wound. These thin, tape-like strips provide extra support to the healing skin and help minimize scarring. They require a bit of care in the days that follow.
Keep the area dry for the first 24 to 48 hours after the strips are placed. After that, you can gently wash the area with mild soap and water and pat it dry. The strips will naturally begin to curl and peel at the edges within five to seven days. You can trim the lifting edges with clean scissors, but don’t pull, tug, or rub them off. If they haven’t fallen off on their own after two weeks, you can gently remove them.
Avoid activities that put stress on the wound until your provider clears you. Even though the stitches are out, the tissue underneath is still gaining strength. A wound that looks healed on the surface may only have a fraction of its final tensile strength.
Signs of a Problem After Removal
Most wounds do fine after stitches come out, but it’s worth knowing what wound reopening (called dehiscence) looks like. The signs to watch for include:
- Visible separation of the wound edges that were previously closed
- Bleeding from the incision site
- Swelling or redness around the wound, or skin that appears darker than normal near the incision
- Pain that worsens rather than improves
- Fever
- A pulling or ripping sensation in the wound area
Reopening is more likely if stitches are removed too early, if the wound is under physical stress, or if underlying health conditions slow healing. Minor separations may only need new adhesive strips, while larger openings could require re-stitching. Contact your provider if you notice any of these signs rather than waiting to see if they resolve.