Timing the removal of sutures is a balance between ensuring wound tensile strength and the risk of complications.
|
Body Site |
Suture Removal |
|
facial skin, including nose |
3-5 days then steristrip |
|
eyelid or eyebrow |
3-5 days then steristrip |
|
lip |
3-5 days then steristrip |
|
scalp |
6-8 days |
|
chest |
8-10 days |
|
abdomen |
8-10 days |
|
penis |
8-10 days |
|
ear |
10-14 days |
|
hand |
10-14 days |
|
back |
12-14 days |
|
extremities |
12-14 days |
|
foot |
12-14 days |
General rules:
(1) In the face and neck every other suture is removed on day 2 or 3 to reduce the chances of cross-hatch scarring.
(2) Steristrips can be applied to the wound after suture removal if prolonged retention is desired.
(3) A large wound or an area under physical stress should use the longer time interval.
Factors associated with delayed wound healing include:
(1) chronic corticosteroid therapy or Cushing's syndrome
(2) diabetes mellitus
(3) radiation therapy to area
(4) wound infection
(5) poor perfusion
(6) malnutrition
(7) chemotherapy
Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Surgery, general
