Laceration and Suturing
Our onsite clinicians are available on a walk-in basis and prepared to treat you with sutures, and, if needed, X-rays and tetanus shots.
You or your loved one got a pretty nasty cut, but how bad is it really? Can you just clean it up and slap on a bandage or is it severe enough that you need medical help? Open wounds are the ultimate “on the fence” medical issue and you may not realize how serious a gash is until it becomes infected.
Many minor lacerations heal without medical intervention. But some injuries require stitches that are essential for proper healing. Deep cuts and abrasions are prone to infection and other complications, and the longer a wound stays open and vulnerable, the greater the risk of infection becomes. Stitches also help reduce the chance of developing scar tissue and speed up the overall healing process.
Seek medical help if:
- You or your loved one has not had a tetanus vaccination within the past five years, or if you are unsure
- You are concerned about the wound or have any questions
- It can be difficult to tell if an injury will require stitches or not – particularly when it comes to our loved ones. While some cuts and lacerations can be easily treated at home, others require medical attention. If you’re uncertain how serious the injury is it’s better to seek immediate expert medical attention. Our onsite clinicians are available on a walk-in basis and prepared to treat you with sutures, and, if needed, X-rays and tetanus shots.
Laceration and Suturing FAQ's
Find answers to some of our most asked questions below
What is a laceration?
- Answer: A laceration is a cut or tear in the skin that often requires medical attention. It can vary in depth and severity, ranging from superficial wounds to deep tissue injuries.
When should I seek medical attention for a laceration?
- Answer: Seek medical attention if the laceration is deep, long, on the face, involves a body part with limited blood flow (such as fingers), or if there is debris in the wound. Medical attention is also necessary for wounds that won’t stop bleeding.
- Answer: Suturing is the medical term for stitching a wound. It is typically needed for deeper or gaping lacerations that require support for optimal healing. Suturing helps reduce scarring and promotes proper wound closure.
- Answer: Ideally, suturing should be performed within 6 to 8 hours of the injury to minimize the risk of infection and ensure the best cosmetic outcome. However, some wounds may be sutured up to 24 hours after the injury.
- Answer: Local anesthesia is used to numb the area before suturing, so the procedure itself is generally not painful. There may be some discomfort during the injection of anesthesia.
- Answer: The timeframe for suture removal varies based on the location of the wound and the type of sutures used. Typically, stitches on the face are removed in 5 to 7 days, while those on other parts of the body may require 10 to 14 days.
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