Stitch and staple removal

MinuteClinic providers can assess your wound and make sure that it has healed enough to remove the stitches or staples. They can remove them and help you understand how to care for your wound.

1. Prior to scheduling your appointment, you may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:



If you made your appointment online:

Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.



If you made your appointment in the clinic:

Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.

4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.

5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Though the removal of stitches and staples is usually simple, you should not do it yourself. Before removing your stitches or staples, your MinuteClinic® provider will assess your wound to ensure that it’s healed enough for the stitches or staples to be removed. 

MinuteClinic providers will not just remove staples and stitches. They will also evaluate your wound for signs of infection, bleeding and other problems that may require additional care. Having your wound cared for by a MinuteClinic® provider not only is convenient, but it can also reduce complication rates, reduce scarring and improve long-term health outcomes.

The time when staples or stitches need to be removed is based on how fast skin on certain areas of the body heals and how serious the wound is. As a general rule, stitches and staples are removed as soon as possible after a wound heals.

Staple and stitch removal times:

• Face: 5 days
• Scalp: 7 to 10 days
• Chest, legs and back: 7 days
• Arms and legs: 10 to 14 days
• Digits, palms and soles: 10 to 14 days

The above timeframes are typical, but every case is different. If the wound has not healed, the stitches or staples will need to remain in place and the incision will need to be evaluated again in a few days.

In some cases, self-dissolving stitches will be used. These “dissolvable” stitches are generally only used underneath the skin where they are not open to infection and will not leave a permanent scar. If you have soluble stitches, your health provider will explain that you do not have to return for removal.

Different people may experience different sensations when getting stitches or staples removed. Many patients report a tugging or pinching sensation when they're removed. Some may experience tenderness in the area for a few minutes or hours after removal. 

Sometimes, pain after stitch or staple removal is a sign of potential infection. If severe or increasing pain develops after removal, you should contact your medical provider to have the wound checked.

Stitches are removed by cutting the thread close to the knot. Sterilized scissors are used to prevent infection. The thread is then gently pulled out of the skin. Stitch removal should always be handled by a medical professional. You shouldn't try removing stitches at home.

Your MinuteClinic® provider can remove stitches and check the wound to help reduce the risk of future complications. Post-removal care is similar to wound care after staple removal.

Like absorbable staples, dissolvable stitches don't require removal. Your health care provider should monitor the site for possible infections.

Surgical staples are removed using a special tool designed to clip the staple and pull it free. The tool used to remove staples is sterilized beforehand to reduce the risk of infection.

Depending on the location of the incision, you may be asked to sit or lie down so the area is more accessible. Staple removal is typically quick. You may need to cover the wound with a bandage and apply ointment after staple removal. This helps keep the area moist and protected while the wound continues to heal.

Some staples are absorbable and don't require removal. The wound should still be monitored during the healing process. Your health care provider can ensure the staples have dissolved properly. 

Staples and stitches are removed after the wound has begun to heal. The full time required for healing depends on the type and location of the wound. The incision site may appear red immediately after stitch or staple removal. Any remaining scar tissue usually fades to a white or silvery line over time.

It's important to get stitches or staples out at the proper time. Early or late removal could affect healing. There may be slight bleeding or fluid leakage after the removal of stitches or sutures. Extended bleeding, pus at the wound site or increased soreness could indicate an infection. Report any suspected problems or excess pain to your health care provider.