How many days after wound suturing is suture removal usually performed?
Oct 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Dapeng
Introduction
For wounds on the head, face, neck, lower abdomen, or perineal area that have healed well, sutures are typically removed 4 to 7 days after closure. For wounds on the chest, upper abdomen, buttocks, limbs, trunk, or back, or if the wound is contaminated or becomes infected, suture removal may be delayed to 7 to 14 days. Regularly inspect the wound for signs of infection or other abnormalities, and promptly communicate with your doctor.
Under normal circumstances, sutures are removed 5 to 14 days after wound closure, with the exact timing depending on individual circumstances. For wounds on the head, face, and neck, lower abdomen, or perineum that heal well, suture removal typically occurs 4–7 days after surgery. However, for wounds on the chest, upper abdomen, buttocks, limbs, trunk, or back—especially if contaminated or infected—the sutures may need to remain in place for 7–14 days. Specific details are as follows:
The head, face, and neck have rich blood circulation and rapid cell metabolism, leading to relatively faster wound healing. Therefore, sutures in these areas can usually be removed 4–5 days after surgery, and should not extend beyond 7 days. For the lower abdomen or perineal region, suture removal is typically scheduled for 6–7 days post-surgery. If the wound heals well, without signs of infection such as redness, swelling, discharge, or fever, and the wound edges are securely closed, suture removal may proceed within the timeframes mentioned above.
The chest, upper abdomen, and buttocks are larger areas subject to greater tension, so sutures are generally left in place longer—usually 7–9 days after surgery. The limbs have relatively poorer blood circulation, especially the lower limbs, which bear body weight; therefore, suture removal is delayed. Upper limbs typically require 7–10 days, while lower limbs need 10–14 days. Wounds on the trunk and back may require 12–14 days for healing. If a wound was contaminated at the time of injury or becomes infected after suturing—with symptoms such as redness, swelling, or discharge—infection must first be treated. Treatment may include antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules, roxithromycin capsules, or levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, as prescribed by a physician. After the infection is under control, the timing of suture removal should be determined based on the wound's healing progress, which may be later than usual.
Regularly check the wound for signs of infection or other abnormalities, and promptly communicate with your doctor. Even if the wound appears healed, wait until the doctor confirms it is safe to remove the sutures to ensure complete healing and minimize the risk of scarring and complications.
