Sutures are essential when individuals sustain a laceration, a type of injury that requires immediate attention. The healthcare team at Make You Well is adept at managing such injuries by employing a technique that involves “stitching” the wound with special surgical threads known as sutures.
These sterile threads are pivotal for mending cuts and assist in sealing surgical incisions. Depending on the nature and location of the wound, metal staples may be used instead of sutures. Upon sustaining a laceration, the procedure at Make You Well begins with applying a numbing agent, typically lidocaine, to minimize discomfort during the repair process. The wound is then meticulously sutured to foster optimal healing. The stitches are carefully removed after 8 to 10 days, allowing enough time for the skin to heal and rejoin effectively.
The Make You Well team can assess and treat a wide variety of complex lacerations. Suppose you experience an accident resulting in a laceration. In that case, promptly contacting Colleyville’s Make You Well office is crucial to ensure the injury is appropriately addressed and healed.
Yes. Wounds are generally best closed within 6–12 hours of the injury, while the tissue is still clean and the risk of infection is lower. Facial wounds may be closed up to 24 hours after injury due to the excellent blood supply in that area. Wounds older than 12 hours—especially those that are dirty or contaminated—may be left partially open to heal from the inside (secondary intention) to reduce infection risk. See a provider as soon as possible after any laceration that may need closure.
Dissolvable (absorbable) sutures break down naturally in the body over 1–8 weeks and do not need to be removed. They are commonly used for deeper tissue layers or in areas where removal would be difficult. Non-dissolvable (non-absorbable) sutures are placed in the outermost skin layer for precise wound closure and must be removed by a provider at the appropriate time. Our providers select the most appropriate suture type based on wound location and depth.
Some degree of scarring is inevitable when the full thickness of the skin is broken. Prompt, expert wound closure minimizes scarring by aligning wound edges precisely and reducing tension on the skin. Post-healing scar appearance can be further improved with silicone gel sheeting, sun protection, and, in some cases, aesthetic treatments. Make You Well’s combined primary care and aesthetics team can advise on scar management after healing is complete.
Avoid submerging the sutured area in water (pools, hot tubs, baths) until the wound is fully closed and your provider clears you. Avoid activities that stretch, strain, or put direct pressure on the wound. Protect the area from direct sun exposure, as healing skin sunburns easily and UV exposure can darken scars. Follow all activity restrictions your provider specifies, particularly for wounds over joints or in high-movement areas.
