Stitch and staple removal

Los proveedores de MinuteClinic pueden evaluar su herida y asegurarse de que haya cicatrizado lo suficiente como para retirar los puntos o las grapas. Pueden retirarlos y ayudarle a comprender cómo cuidar su herida.

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:



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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. Los cargos dependerán del examen y los servicios prestados durante la visita.

5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. Si usted lo solicita, podemos enviarle información sobre su consulta a su profesional de la salud de cabecera.

Aunque retirar los puntos y las grapas suele ser sencillo, no debe hacerlo por su cuenta. Antes de retirarle los puntos o las grapas, su proveedor de MinuteClinic® evaluará la herida para asegurarse de que haya cicatrizado lo suficiente como para quitar los puntos o las grapas.

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.

El momento en que se deben retirar las grapas o los puntos se basa en la rapidez con la que cicatriza la piel en ciertas áreas del cuerpo y la gravedad de la herida. Como regla general, los puntos y las grapas se retiran lo antes posible después de que se cura la herida.

Staple and stitch removal times:

• Rostro: 5 días
• Cuero cabelludo: 7 a 10 días
• Chest, legs and back: 7 días
• Brazos y piernas: 10 a 14 días
• Digits, palms and soles: 10 a 14 días

Los plazos anteriores son típicos, pero cada caso es diferente. Si la herida no se ha curado, los puntos o las grapas deberán permanecer en su lugar y la incisión deberá evaluarse nuevamente en unos días.

En algunos casos, se pueden usar puntos que se disuelven solos. Estos puntos "absorbibles" generalmente solo se usan debajo de la piel donde no están expuestos a infecciones y donde no dejarán una cicatriz permanente. Si tiene puntos solubles, su proveedor de salud le explicará que no tiene que regresar para retirarlos.

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 cuidado de heridas 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.