Do not remove stitches yourself unless a clinician told you it is safe to do so
Wash your hands thoroughly
Gather clean tweezers, small scissors or stitch removal kit, antiseptic, and clean gauze
Clean the area gently with soap and water or as directed by a clinician
Sterilize the tools with alcohol if instructed to do so
Use the tweezers to lift the knot of each stitch
Cut the stitch close to the skin on one side of the knot
Gently pull the cut thread out with the tweezers
Remove stitches one at a time
Stop if the wound opens, bleeds, or feels painful
Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if needed
Clean the area again after removal
Apply antibiotic ointment only if advised by a clinician
Cover the area with a clean bandage if needed
Seek medical help if there is redness, swelling, pus, fever, or worsening pain
Follow the timing for removal given by your clinician