Suture schedules typically range from approximately 5–7 days on the face to 10–14 days on the trunk or extremities, adjusted for tension, nutrition, steroids, and patient comorbidities. Patient education on normal healing versus infection parallels material from the CFPC wound-care teaching and public wound hygiene resources.
If erythema spreads, pus appears, or the wound opens, we reassess—don’t wait for a “routine” suture day if concerning symptoms arise.
What This Service Includes
Timing table
Facial fast, joint extensor slow; diabetes may need longer support.
Sterile snip
Lift knot, cut under knot, pull loop to minimize tract bacteria.
Steri-strip backup
Support edges if wound still immature.
What to Expect
Inspect
Edges well-approximated? erythema pattern? drainage?
Remove
All visible non-absorbable material or document retained deep layers.
Plan
Sun protection, activity limits if large incision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spitting sutures or fragments may surface—call us to remove rather than pulling at home.
Pools/oceans increase infection risk until epithelialization complete—follow your clinician’s timeline.
Superficial absorbable can spit; we trim or remove if bothersome.
Systemic steroids, poor nutrition, and smoking slow healing—intervals may lengthen.