Since surgery is such a major event, we tend to focus more on preparing for it and the procedure itself than what comes next. Some of us reach the recovery period surprised that there’s still more to think about! Maybe you’re wondering what to expect during your suture removal appointment or you’re wondering how you can ensure proper healing and minimize scarring. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the suture removal process and how to care for your healing skin.
 

Since surgery is such a major event, we tend to focus more on preparing for it and the procedure itself than what comes next. Some of us reach the recovery period surprised that there’s still more to think about! Maybe you’re wondering what to expect during your suture removal appointment or you’re wondering how you can ensure proper healing and minimize scarring. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the suture removal process and how to care for your healing skin.
 
What To Expect During Suture Removal

Your doctor may have given you some idea of what to expect already, but just in case, here is what you should know before heading into your post-surgery appointment:

  • Suture removal is not painful and does not require an anesthetic.
  • Your doctor will clean the area and then remove each stitch one by one by cutting the end near the knot.
  • You may feel some tugging or pressure as the stitches are pulled out.
  • Your doctor will sterilize the area again and apply a bandage if necessary.

What To Look Out For Immediately After Suture Removal

Following your appointment, you’ll want to keep an eye on the area. Slight oozing or bleeding is normal and is no cause for concern. However, if you see any of the following symptoms, you should check in with your doctor:

  • Bleeding or oozing that becomes heavier or does not stop
  • Puss coming from the wound
  • Wound appears to be reopening
  • Pain
  • Fever

How To Care For The Skin After Suture Removal

You might be surprised to hear that a wound is not healed when its sutures are removed. Removing sutures is just one step in the healing process!

The outside of the wound is closed, but the internal tissues need more time to repair. The deeper layers are still regenerating beyond what you’re seeing on the surface as the body strengthens the area with collagen, a process that can take weeks to months. Meanwhile, the skin is still fragile because new tissue is delicate and prone to reopening. Without proper care, a wound can still be susceptible to bacteria even after sutures are removed.

Scarring is often longer than one would expect. It can take up to a year for a scar to fully settle and become stronger. This means that caring for your skin after suture removal shouldn’t be limited to a few days! Here’s how you can care for your skin at this sensitive time:

  • Until the suture wound is completely closed, use bandages and change them regularly.
  • Keep the area clean and well hydrated.
  • Avoid abrasive products and washcloths.
  • Avoid fragrance and harsh ingredients.
  • Don’t pick at scabs.
  • Be very gentle when washing, and pat the skin dry.
  • Do not scratch the area if it is itchy; instead, try pressing or patting to relieve the itch.
  • Vitamin E or aloe can be helpful for scars. You can put a layer of petroleum jelly on top as a barrier to protect your scar.
  • Use SPF 50 and reapply regularly to protect the area from the sun, even on overcast days. More sun, more scars!
  • After 4 weeks, you can begin massaging the scar in gentle circles for 5-10 to encourage healing and fading.

Recovery is an ongoing process that continues well beyond suture removal. It takes care and patience. We hope this guide helps you feel a little more confident and prepared on your healing journey!

 
What To Expect During Suture Removal

Your doctor may have given you some idea of what to expect already, but just in case, here is what you should know before heading into your post-surgery appointment:

  • Suture removal is not painful and does not require an anesthetic.
  • Your doctor will clean the area and then remove each stitch one by one by cutting the end near the knot.
  • You may feel some tugging or pressure as the stitches are pulled out.
  • Your doctor will sterilize the area again and apply a bandage if necessary.

What To Look Out For Immediately After Suture Removal

Following your appointment, you’ll want to keep an eye on the area. Slight oozing or bleeding is normal and is no cause for concern. However, if you see any of the following symptoms, you should check in with your doctor:

  • Bleeding or oozing that becomes heavier or does not stop
  • Puss coming from the wound
  • Wound appears to be reopening
  • Pain
  • Fever

How To Care For The Skin After Suture Removal

You might be surprised to hear that a wound is not healed when its sutures are removed. Removing sutures is just one step in the healing process!

The outside of the wound is closed, but the internal tissues need more time to repair. The deeper layers are still regenerating beyond what you’re seeing on the surface as the body strengthens the area with collagen, a process that can take weeks to months. Meanwhile, the skin is still fragile because new tissue is delicate and prone to reopening. Without proper care, a wound can still be susceptible to bacteria even after sutures are removed.

Scarring is often longer than one would expect. It can take up to a year for a scar to fully settle and become stronger. This means that caring for your skin after suture removal shouldn’t be limited to a few days! Here’s how you can care for your skin at this sensitive time:

  • Until the suture wound is completely closed, use bandages and change them regularly.
  • Keep the area clean and well hydrated.
  • Avoid abrasive products and washcloths.
  • Avoid fragrance and harsh ingredients.
  • Don’t pick at scabs.
  • Be very gentle when washing, and pat the skin dry.
  • Do not scratch the area if it is itchy; instead, try pressing or patting to relieve the itch.
  • Vitamin E or aloe can be helpful for scars. You can put a layer of petroleum jelly on top as a barrier to protect your scar.
  • Use SPF 50 and reapply regularly to protect the area from the sun, even on overcast days. More sun, more scars!
  • After 4 weeks, you can begin massaging the scar in gentle circles for 5-10 to encourage healing and fading.

Recovery is an ongoing process that continues well beyond suture removal. It takes care and patience. We hope this guide helps you feel a little more confident and prepared on your healing journey!

 
What To Expect During Suture Removal

Your doctor may have given you some idea of what to expect already, but just in case, here is what you should know before heading into your post-surgery appointment:

  • Suture removal is not painful and does not require an anesthetic.
  • Your doctor will clean the area and then remove each stitch one by one by cutting the end near the knot.
  • You may feel some tugging or pressure as the stitches are pulled out.
  • Your doctor will sterilize the area again and apply a bandage if necessary.

What To Look Out For Immediately After Suture Removal

Following your appointment, you’ll want to keep an eye on the area. Slight oozing or bleeding is normal and is no cause for concern. However, if you see any of the following symptoms, you should check in with your doctor:

  • Bleeding or oozing that becomes heavier or does not stop
  • Puss coming from the wound
  • Wound appears to be reopening
  • Pain
  • Fever

How To Care For The Skin After Suture Removal

You might be surprised to hear that a wound is not healed when its sutures are removed. Removing sutures is just one step in the healing process!

The outside of the wound is closed, but the internal tissues need more time to repair. The deeper layers are still regenerating beyond what you’re seeing on the surface as the body strengthens the area with collagen, a process that can take weeks to months. Meanwhile, the skin is still fragile because new tissue is delicate and prone to reopening. Without proper care, a wound can still be susceptible to bacteria even after sutures are removed.

Scarring is often longer than one would expect. It can take up to a year for a scar to fully settle and become stronger. This means that caring for your skin after suture removal shouldn’t be limited to a few days! Here’s how you can care for your skin at this sensitive time:

  • Until the suture wound is completely closed, use bandages and change them regularly.
  • Keep the area clean and well hydrated.
  • Avoid abrasive products and washcloths.
  • Avoid fragrance and harsh ingredients.
  • Don’t pick at scabs.
  • Be very gentle when washing, and pat the skin dry.
  • Do not scratch the area if it is itchy; instead, try pressing or patting to relieve the itch.
  • Vitamin E or aloe can be helpful for scars. You can put a layer of petroleum jelly on top as a barrier to protect your scar.
  • Use SPF 50 and reapply regularly to protect the area from the sun, even on overcast days. More sun, more scars!
  • After 4 weeks, you can begin massaging the scar in gentle circles for 5-10 to encourage healing and fading.

Recovery is an ongoing process that continues well beyond suture removal. It takes care and patience. We hope this guide helps you feel a little more confident and prepared on your healing journey!

 
 
If you’re looking for help, please contact us using the form below.


     
    If you’re looking for help, please contact us using the form below.