What should you know about different types of surgical stitches?

Sutures may be absorbable, gradually broken down by the body, or non-absorbable, which stay in place until a clinician removes them. They may be made from different materials and placed as separate interrupted stitches, a continuous line, or beneath the skin. The choice depends on how much support the tissue needs, whether the area moves, and how easily the wound can be reviewed.

Local anaesthetic such as lidocaine may numb the area before wound repair. Stitches support healing but do not remove the need for clean, protected wound care.

Follow the dressing and bathing instructions you were given. Keep the wound clean and avoid pulling, picking or stretching the stitches. Wash your hands before touching the dressing, and protect the area from friction or soaking unless your clinician says otherwise. Keep the planned review or removal appointment, because timing varies with the body site and suture type.

Check whether your tetanus vaccination is up to date after a dirty, deep or outdoor injury. Do not apply creams or antiseptics unless advised for that wound.

Contact a clinician if redness spreads, pain increases, the wound becomes hot or swollen, discharge develops, the edges separate, or you develop fever. Seek urgent care for uncontrolled bleeding, loss of feeling or movement, a deep wound, or an injury involving the eye, face, hand or a major joint.

Ask which suture type was used, when it should be reviewed or removed, how to wash and cover the wound, what activity to avoid, and which changes require a same-day assessment.