Stitches, also called sutures, hold tissue together while it heals. The useful information to take home is which type was used, how to care for this wound, and whether a removal or review appointment is required.
Wound location, the operation or injury, and the closure materials influence the plan. Ask for written instructions before leaving the clinic, especially if there are stitches beneath the skin as well as strips, glue or a dressing on top.
Identify what is holding the wound closed
On a small screen, scroll the table sideways to read all columns.
| Material | What to understand | Confirm before leaving |
|---|---|---|
| Absorbable stitches | The material breaks down over time; visible ends may persist while deeper tissue heals. | Expected course for this material and whether a wound review is planned. |
| Nonabsorbable stitches | A clinician usually removes external stitches at a planned visit. | Removal date, location and who books it. |
| Strips, glue or staples | These may be used alone or alongside stitches. | Separate instructions for each layer and dressing. |
University Hospitals Sussex explains the main closure methods (PDF). If the discharge paperwork does not identify your stitches, contact the treating team. Appearance alone is an unreliable way to decide whether they should be removed.
Turn the discharge sheet into a practical plan
Keep the wound protected according to its instructions, and clean your hands before permitted dressing care. Clarify when the dressing should change, when washing or showering is allowed, and which activities could strain the area. Do not pick at glue, pull thread ends or remove stitches yourself.
Different wound instructions legitimately differ. For example, Guy's and St Thomas' guidance discusses leaving a dressing until stitch removal unless the doctor directs otherwise, while other surgical services prescribe earlier changes for particular wounds. Use your treating service's plan and ask it to resolve conflicting advice.
Before buying creams, antiseptics or scar products, ask whether they are appropriate for the closure used and when they may start. Check pain-relief choices with the clinician or pharmacist if you take other medicines. A product that suits one wound may interfere with another wound's dressing or glue.
Book follow-up while the details are clear
Stitch-removal timing depends on the wound; there is no single calendar that fits every location. Absorbable material can also persist for different lengths of time. Great Ormond Street Hospital explains that dissolving stitches can sometimes reach the surface. Ask the team about an irritating or persistent end instead of trying to extract it.
The NHS discharge guide recommends clarifying wound care, expected symptoms and follow-up before going home. Record the appointment in the same place as the care instructions. Removal of the surface stitches does not itself tell you that the wound is ready for heavy loading, swimming or sport; confirm the return-to-activity plan.
Respond to a change in the wound
Seek prompt clinical advice if the wound opens, stitches come out early, pain or swelling increases, redness spreads, or pus appears. Fever or feeling generally unwell also warrants advice. If bleeding is heavy or will not stop, seek urgent help; the NHS wound guidance distinguishes urgent and emergency situations. Use your local emergency number for a serious emergency.
When calling, give the procedure date, location, what changed and when, and any fever or bleeding. A photograph may help if the clinic requests it through an approved channel. Download the stitch follow-up planner and see how to contact your practice for routine questions.
General patient education. Use your clinical team’s instructions for your care. Explore the medical guides.