Follow your clinician’s instructions for timing and wound care
Do not remove stitches or sutures yourself unless you were explicitly told to do so
If sutures are due for removal, schedule an appointment with the prescribing clinician or a qualified healthcare provider
Keep the area clean and dry until removal
Wash hands before touching the wound area
Avoid soaking the wound (no baths, pools, or hot tubs) unless your clinician says otherwise
Cover the wound with a clean, dry dressing if instructed
Monitor for signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, worsening pain, fever, red streaks) and seek care promptly if present
Seek urgent care if the wound opens, bleeding will not stop, or there is severe pain
If you have dissolvable stitches, do not remove them; allow them to dissolve and follow aftercare instructions
If you have a scheduled removal date, arrive on time so stitches can be removed at the correct interval
If you missed the removal window, contact the clinic promptly for guidance
For external sutures, only a clinician should cut and remove them using sterile technique
Do not cut, pull, or trim sutures at home
After removal, follow aftercare instructions for the remaining healing period (often keeping it clean, applying ointment if advised, and using a bandage if recommended)