Stitches, also called sutures, are made from materials like silk or man-made fibres like nylon. They hold the skin together until it heals itself and are then removed. Some stitches can be absorbed by the body and do not need to be removed. These are usually only used internally or inside the mouth.

You will be told if you need to return to a GP or a nurse to have your sutures/stitches removed. These are the usual time periods:

• stitches on your head – you'll need to return after 5 to 7 days
• stitches over joints, such as your knees or elbows – you'll need to return after 10 to 14 days
• stitches on other parts of your body – you'll need to return after 7 to 10 days

It is important that you do not exceed this time as the stitches may begin to irritate the skin if they are left in too long and cause infection.

Never attempt to remove the stitches yourself.

DO BOOK IF:

✓ You have been told by a consultant or clinician you need to have your stitches/sutures removed.

DO NOT BOOK IF:

⊘ You haven't had a procedure that requires sutures/stitches being removed. 

⊘ The available dates are too long after the due date you were given by the clinician/consultant. Please call us on 01539 718080 option 1 if this is the case and we will see if we have availability in any other clinics.

Click here to return to the online bookable main page