Stitches - How long after getting a cut on a finger can you get stitches?

How long after getting a cut on a finger can you get stitches?

I sliced my the pad of my pinky finger about 18 hours ago. It finally stopped bleeding but the cut doesn't want to stay closed. Can I get stitches now? I'm afraid if I just butterfly it that it will take longer to heal.

Public Comments

stitches must be done
It is to late for stitches, and they would probably just dermabond it any way.. Dermabond is just a fancy way of saying super glue anyway... Just make sure that the cut is clean pinch it together and glue it shut, you will probably need an extra set of hands being that you will only be working with one... Be careful it is tricky and you only get one chance with superglue, the more closed up the wound the smaller the scar... PS I am NOT a Dr.
It's not later that you want stitches, it's the sooner the better. Your finger is not something to mess around with -- you need that too much! Go to the ER.
It best done ASAP, not sure of exact time, but, the healing process has something to do with it (Street terms). I had a cut once and by the time I got to the Hospital it had been about 8 hours maybe more. They did stitch my head and it healed well. So, if it a bad cut, they "may" be able to do stitches. I would call the ER and ask, probably be the best way. Technology changing all the time. Heck, my mother had a leg operation and they glued her incision and not use stitches.
Depending on the cut you can wait up to 24 hours, but your risk of infection greatly increases. It also depends on how deep it is. If it is less than a quarter of an inch deep, and the bleeding has already stopped like you said, you may not require stitches. Your best bet is to just see your doc now and they can either stitch it up or instruct you how to keep it clean and give you info on infection so it can heal on its own. Don't use regular super glue. It is not the same as Dermabond. Dermabond is specifically make for skin and is biodegratable. Superglue isn't so go see your doc and if he can't stich it he may use the dermabond Also, don't go to the ER. If you have waited 18 hours already it is not an emergency.
you have 24 hrs from the time u where injured but i agree with the dermabond but you surly sould have it done by a prof. less liklyhood of infection and two hands on the job is better then one i mean u do want it to heal together stright