While it is best to have your stitches removed in a clinic or by a doctor, this is not always practical. If the estimated healing time has passed and your wound appears to be fully closed, you may want to remove the stitches yourself. Here's how to do it safely. All you need are tweezers and scissors!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Part One: Preparation
Step 1. Make sure your stitches are safe to remove
In certain cases, you should absolutely not remove the stitches yourself. If the stitches were given after a surgical procedure or if the estimated healing time (generally 10-14 days) has not elapsed, removing the stitches yourself can increase the risk of infection and may prevent your wound from healing properly.
- Remember, if you go to the doctor, the sutures on your skin are often covered with a bandage after the sutures are removed to continue to facilitate the healing process. If you remove the stitches at home, you may not get the full treatment you need.
- If you want to double-check that the time is right to remove the stitches, call your doctor. It will tell you when it is safe to do so.
- If your wound is red or more painful, don't remove your stitches. See a doctor. You may have an infection.
- Keep in mind that in most cases, you can remove the sutures without consulting your doctor first. You may be able to come right away and have your stitches removed. Call and ask your doctor.
Step 2. Choose a tool to cut your sewing thread
Use sharp surgical scissors if possible. Sharp nail clippers can also be used. Avoid using any kind of equipment with blunt ends. Do not use a knife because the knife slips easily.
Step 3. Sterilize your cutting tools and tweezers
Put it in a bowl of boiling water for a few minutes, remove it, dry it with a clean paper towel, then rub it with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol. This will ensure that the cutting tools and tweezers don't transfer bacteria to your body.
Step 4. Gather your other equipment
There are other things you'll need to stock up on, such as sterile bandages and antibiotic ointment if you need to treat an area of skin that's bleeding. You should not need to use this equipment; if your wound has healed properly, you won't need a bandage. However, it never hurts to be prepared.
Step 5. Wash and sterilize the stitched part
Use soapy water, and dry with a clean towel. Prepare a cotton ball that has been dripped with alcohol to further clean the area around the seam. Make sure the area is completely clean before proceeding to the next step.
Method 2 of 3: Part Two: Removing Wound Stitches
Step 1. Sit in a well-lit place
You must be able to see each stitch of the wound clearly to be able to remove it properly. Don't try to lift the stitches in too dark or you'll hurt yourself.
Step 2. Lift the first knot
Use the tweezers to gently pull the knot of the first stitch on the surface of your skin.
Step 3. Cut the seam
Holding the knot against your skin, use your other hand to snip and cut the seam next to the knot.
Step 4. Pull the thread
Use tweezers to continue lifting the knot and slowly pull the thread out through your skin. You may feel some pressure on your skin, but it shouldn't hurt.
- If the skin starts to bleed when you try to remove the stitches, then your stitches aren't ready to be removed. Stop what you are doing and go to the doctor to have any remaining stitches removed.
- Be careful not to pull the knot through your skin. These knots can get stuck in the skin and cause bleeding.
Step 5. Continue to lift the stitches
Use tweezers to lift the knot, then cut it with scissors. Pull the thread out and throw it away. Continue until all the seams are removed.
Step 6. Clean the wound
Make sure that no residue remains on the wound area. If you wish, you can cover the wound with a sterile bandage for further healing.
Method 3 of 3: Part Three: Post-Removal Care
Step 1. Visit a doctor if any problem occurs
If the wound area reopens, you will need to have more stitches. It is very important to see a doctor immediately if this happens. Wrapping the wound with a bandage and trying to heal it without new stitches wouldn't be enough.
Step 2. Protect the wound from new injuries
The skin regains its strength slowly. When you remove the sutures, the skin strength is only about 10 percent of its normal strength. Do not overuse body parts that have been sewn.
Step 3. Protect the wound from ultraviolet rays
These rays are destructive even to healthy skin tissue. Use sunscreen if your wound is exposed to the sun or while in the sun to darken the skin tone.
Step 4. Apply Vitamin E
This vitamin can help with the healing process, but should only be used if your wound is completely closed.
Tips
- Keep your wound clean.
- Leave the sutures in place for as long as your doctor advises.
- Use a special cut suture cutter instead of regular scissors. This type of cutter is sharper and flatter so it doesn't pull the seam too wide when cutting.
Warning
- Self-removal of sutures from major surgery is not recommended at all. This article discusses only minor wound suture removal.
- Do not attempt to remove surgical sutures at home. Doctors use special equipment to remove it. If you do it yourself at home, there is a risk of more serious pain and injury.
- Do not expose the sutured wound to water if you have been advised to avoid it and do not wash it with soap.
