How Long Until I Can Remove Stitches?

Question

I removed a mole on my chin last Friday. When can I remove the stitches? I also removed 2 other moles on my body. One on my back and another on the side of my brest. What is the best time to remove the stitches? The doctore told me to remove the stitches in my face afther 2 weeks. But i think that is to long. I want the minimum of scaring. He also told me to have the other stiches for 3 weeks. Is that right?

Ken Landow, MD · Answer

the skin...if it's minimal, sometimes a steri-strip is all that's needed...no stitches...or again if there's no tension on the wound, then the stitches can come out in 3-4 days...in any event it would be a little unusual to leave sutures in after a cosmetic removal of a mole for 2-3 weeks...in routine procedures a week or so should suffice...

Laurie Jacobson, MD · Answer

Typically sutures are left in for 5-8 days on the face depending on where the sutures were placed, and 10-14 days for the chest and back.  If sutures are left in too long, the likelihood of those sutures leaving a permanent mark is greater.  These marks can look like rail road tracks or stay darker for a longer period of time.  The face typically heals very fast because it has a terrific blood supply and heals very quickly.  Ideally, you don't want to remove the sutures yourself but rather have them removed in a doctor's office if possible using sterile and delicate instruments.  Best of luck.

Srdjan Ostric, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, if you use deep sutures, and meticulous technique, the sutures can be removed with ease at about 5 days. They may be removed earlier in some cases, but I agree the 2 weeks in the face is simply way too long to keep stitches before they are removed.

How Long Until I Can Remove Stitches?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How Long Until I Can Remove Stitches?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.