What to Do if You Remove Your Stitches Too Early

Introduction

Accidentally removing your stitches too early can be a cause for concern, especially if the wound isn't fully healed. Here are the steps you should follow if you find yourself in this situation.

Assess the Wound

It's important to carefully assess the wound for any signs of reopening, bleeding, or infection. Look for redness, swelling, or pus. If you notice any of these signs, it may indicate that the wound is not healing properly.

Clean the Area

Gently clean the area around the wound with mild soap and water. This can help reduce the risk of infection. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.

Apply a Dressing

Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or dressing. This will protect the wound and allow it to heal properly. Be sure to change the dressing regularly and keep the area clean.

Monitor for Infection

Keep a close eye on the wound for any signs of infection. Watch for increased redness, swelling, or discharge. These could be indicators that you need medical attention.

Consult a Healthcare Professional

Contact your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may need to assess the wound and possibly re-stitch it or recommend alternative treatment. If the wound is infected, your healthcare provider may deliberately open the wound to allow any pus or infected fluid to be released.

Follow Instructions

Follow any specific care instructions your doctor may provide. This could include keeping the wound clean, applying antibiotic ointment, and keeping the wound covered. It's crucial to follow these instructions to ensure proper healing.

Why Removing Stitches Too Early is Not Recommended

Removing stitches too early can compromise the healing process. The wound may not heal properly, and you may end up with a wider, uglier scar. Additionally, there could be other complications such as exposure of an implant, bleeding, or damage to exposed nerves, which could cause numbness or abnormal sensations.

A Personal Story

As a teenager, I had a mole removed from my left chest. The surgeon advised me to avoid exercise for a week. However, I didn't follow this advice and played tennis on the fourth day. Later, I decided to swim in a pool, thinking it would cool me down. When I went to have the stitches removed, they were all pulled open, leaving a bloody blotch. The surgeon, who was the father of my best friend, knew me well and said, "I have just the thing for boys like you." He then painted the wound shut with silver nitrate. The resulting scar is not a line but is round like a zero. Ever since, I have paid very careful attention to stitching care.

Conclusion

Taking stitches out too early can lead to complications and hinder the healing process. If your wound is otherwise healing normally and there are no other factors involved, the wound may open up and dehisce. The earlier you remove the stitches, the greater the "stretch" on the sound tension, the wider will be the eventual gap. If the wound is infected, your doctor may intentionally open it to allow the release of pus or infected fluid.

Additional Tips

To help speed up the healing process and ensure proper scarring, consider the following:

Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can impair healing. Get plenty of rest and avoid excessive physical activity that could strain the wound. Follow all prescribed medications and treatments diligently.

In conclusion, if you suspect that your stitches were removed too early, seek medical advice to prevent further complications and ensure proper wound healing.