Points are surgical wires that are placed in a surgical wound or hematoma to reach the edges of the skin and promote site healing.
The removal of these points should be performed by a health care professional after proper scarring of the skin, which usually occurs between 7 to 10 days, and removal until the 7th day is not recommended.
On average, the days indicated to remove the stitches from each area of the body are:
This period may vary depending on the depth and extent of the wound as well as the characteristics of each patient such as age, obesity, diabetes, adequate feeding or the use of medications such as chemotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids.
Suture points must be withdrawn on the scheduled day of the second visit or the health centre closest to the residence must be registered. The procedure is performed as follows:
In case of dehiscence in the wound, a complication that results in the opening of the skin between the points, the procedure should be discontinued and an evaluation by the surgeon should be requested, but in cases where the skin is well healed, all points will be removed. and there’s no need to put gauze in the wound.
After removing all points, the wound can normally be cleaned during bathing with soap and water, it is necessary to keep the place hydrated and healing ointments may be used according to the instructions of the doctor or nurse.
These are foods that speed up the healing process of a wound or bruise to include in your diet:
Removing stitches can cause slight discomfort at the wound site, but it is a bearable sensation and does not require any local anesthesia.
Keeping points beyond the indicated withdrawal time can impair the local healing process, cause infections, and leave scars.
But there are points that are absorbed by the body itself and do not require withdrawal from health services. Resorbable points can take up to 120 days to be completely absorbed depending on your material. Your surgeon or dentist should indicate whether the point is reabsorbable or should be removed.
It is recommended to seek a health service before the indicated day to remove the points if you notice signs of infection in the wound, such as:
If a point collapses before the period indicated for removal and there is an opening of the skin between the spots, it is also necessary to consult a doctor.