While it is strongly recommended that you go to the doctor to have the stitches removed, it is sometimes not practical. If the recommended healing time has passed and the wound appears to have completely healed, you may want to remove them yourself. Here's how to do it safely.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare
Step 1. Make sure it is safe to remove the stitches
In some cases you should definitely not remove them yourself. If they are the result of surgery, or the healing period (which usually lasts 10-14 days) has not passed, the removal of the suture by a non-professional in a non-sterile environment puts you at serious risk of infection and may not heal properly.
- Keep in mind that when a doctor removes stitches, suture patches are often applied to the wound to facilitate complete healing. If you remove the stitches at home, you may not be able to guarantee yourself all the necessary care.
- If you want to be really sure it's the right time to have the stitches removed, call your doctor. He'll be able to tell you if that's something you can do yourself.
- If the wound is red or painful, do not remove the stitches and go to the doctor. You may have an infection.
- Remember that in many cases it is not necessary to make a specific appointment with your doctor to remove the stitches. Sometimes you can just go to him for a quick intervention. Call your doctor and ask for information.
Step 2. Choose a tool to cut the stitches
Use a sharp pair of surgical scissors if possible. A nail clipper or nail scissors are also fine. Do not use blunt blades and, above all, do not use a knife: it could slip easily.
Step 3. Sterilize the instrument of your choice along with a pair of tweezers
Throw them in boiling water for a couple of minutes and let them dry completely on a clean paper towel. Then rub them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol: this way you are sure that the tools will not transfer bacteria to the wound.
Step 4. Prepare the supplies
There are still a few things you need to keep on hand. A sterile dressing and antibiotic ointment will help in case the wound is bleeding and needs to be treated. That shouldn't be the case, as the wound is theoretically healed, but it's always wise to have them on hand.
Step 5. Wash and sterilize the sutured area
Use soapy water and dry thoroughly with a clean cloth. Take a cotton ball dipped in alcohol for further cleansing of the skin around the spots. Make sure the area is completely clean before you begin.
Part 2 of 3: Remove the Stitches
Step 1. Sit in a well-lit area
You need to be able to see every single stitch clearly to get the job done right. Do not try to perform these operations in the dark or in a poorly lit place, otherwise you could injure yourself.
Step 2. Lift the first knot
Take a pair of tweezers and gently lift the first point away from the skin.
Step 3. Cut the suture
Still holding the point away from the skin, use your other hand to cut the thread near the knot with the scissors.
Step 4. Remove the thread
Using the sterilized tweezers, gently pull the thread by sliding it through the skin until it comes out. You should feel some pressure, but it should be painless.
- If the wound starts to bleed, it means that it has not yet completely healed and the stitches should not be removed. Stop immediately and see your doctor to have the other stitches removed.
- Avoid pulling the knot. It would tear the skin and causing bleeding.
Step 5. Continue removing the suture
Use tweezers to lift the knots, then cut the thread with the scissors. Pull off the thread and throw it away. Continue this way until you have removed all of them.
Step 6. Cleanse the wound
Make sure there is no debris around the surrounding area. If you want you can apply a sterile bandage to cover it and allow complete healing.
Part 3 of 3: Managing the Next Steps
Step 1. See a doctor if any problems arise
If the wound reopens you will need more stitches. It is very important to seek immediate medical attention if this happens. One bandage won't be enough to get her to heal again.
Step 2. Protect the wound from other injuries
The skin regains its resistance slowly: when you remove the stitches it is only at 10% of its strength. Don't put too much strain on this part of your body.
Step 3. Protect the wound from UV rays
Ultraviolet rays damage scar tissue. Use sunscreen when you go outdoors or if you are on tanning bed cycles.
Step 4. Apply some vitamin E
It helps the healing process, but you should only put it on when the wound has completely closed.
Advice
- Leave the stitches for the full amount of time set by your doctor.
- Keep the wound clean.
- Use a disposable scalpel to cut the stitches instead of scissors. It is flatter and sharper and therefore puts less pressure on the points during the removal process.
Warnings
- Be careful not to get the stitches wet if you have been specifically asked to avoid it, and don't wash them with soap.
- Do not try to remove the surgical staples yourself. Doctors use professional tools to extract them, and home remedies can easily result in more severe injury and pain.
- It is not recommended to take off the stitches of major surgery yourself. These instructions are for those of lesser importance only.
