Ideal Stitches Removal Time?

Stitch removal timing is a very common question after minor surgery. The following is a guideline: Facial and neck sutures are removed at around 7 days; other areas at 10-14 days. This is just a guideline and each case must be looked at individually. For example, if larger lesions are removed from the skin, a larger defect is temporarily created during surgery so the tightness or “tension” on the stitch closure is greater. As such, removing the sutures somewhat later than the guidelines above might be called for to ensure that the wound doesn’t separate and open if the stitches are taken out too soon. Also, procedures done on areas with a lot of movement such as around the elbow or knee might also be left in longer, again to avoid wound opening. In these cases, letting the incision heal more thoroughly prior to stitch removal might be called for.

What is the ideal time to remove stitches? Answer: that all depends on several factors:  Location -- face -- usually 5-7 days. Hands-- 7-14 days. Other areas-- 7-21 days. 

 Amount of skin tension, smoking, patient age, use of catabolic steroids, poor medical condition, infection, previous radiation all determine how long sutures stay in place