Stitches

How do you remove stitches from surgery?

Have 6 stitches on the shoulder from an arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Are there directions on how I can remove them myself? How many days actual surgery should I be taking them off?

Public Comments

1. You shouldn't be taking them out yourself. You should wait for the doctor to do that.
2. I removed my stitches 7 to 10 days. No problem just cut them and pull them out. Make sure you are not pulling a knot through. But be ready for all the slack that you are going to catch for doing it. I almost lost my job one time for removing stitches from my hand. When I had my shoulder surgery they didn't put any stitches in it they used butterflies. I took them off in a week. Disinfect the area before and after removing the stitches and you will not have any problem.
3. i just use a finger nail clippers to cut them and a tweezers to pull them out. You doctor should of set up a follow up visit to remove them. I would remove them on that day.
4. Didn't your doctor ask you to go back and see him/her at a particular time to have them removed? It's not something you should attempt yourself. There a real danger of infection and many other complications. Even if it was a good idea, taking your own stitches out of your shoulder would be nearly impossible, unless you're double-jointed.
5. your orthopedic surgeon will remove them. call for an appointment.
6. Is this the Middle Ages? What if you contract MRSA in your own home? That would be fun, I don't think. Were you so medicated that you forgot to ask them what happens next? Ring the clinic and ask when your checkup is due. Try not to dial the number with your teeth, OK?
7. Have your doctor remove your sutures. There is generally no charge for a surgical follow-up and it give your doctor a chance to see how you are recovering. Sutures are removed after 7-14days. In areas of high skin stress sometimes longer. Your doctor will evaluate your surgical wound to make sure it is healed sufficiently that if the sutures are removed the wound will not open, then they are snipped with small suture scissors and pulled out with forceps. It is also easier to do if you can use both hands.
8. you could try what edj009 said but if the stitches are on your shoulder i wouldn't try it unless you can reach them easily or you could have someone else do it, plus its a way for your dr to get more money out of you
9. See your doctor!
10. I would advise a doctor to remove stitches, you could pull something lose or anything out of the ordinary could happen, I just wouldn't advise something like that.