Sutures

Sutures, also called stitches, close wounds or incisions. If you experience a minor injury and need help with healing, Urgent CareX offers expert support in Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado. The skilled providers can close your wound with sutures and perform in-office procedures with sutures for safe healing. Book your appointment online or call the office for help today.

What are sutures?

Sutures, or stitches, are threads that close your open skin when you have a laceration, another wound, or surgical incision. Although some wounds and incisions are small enough to heal independently, many require a few small sutures to promote healing. Sutures keep your skin in the right position, allowing it to heal over time.

When might I need sutures?

The most common reason for needing sutures at Urgent CareX is skin lacerations. Shards of glass, metal, hard plastic, or other sharp objects can cause lacerations that break through the top layers of skin, often causing great bleeding and discomfort.  

Another reason to need sutures is surgical procedures. For example, an in-office cyst removal might require a few sutures. Sutures are the last step in nearly all surgeries as well.  

What are the different types of sutures?

There are many types of sutures, with the two main choices being absorbable and nonabsorbable. 

Absorbable

Absorbable sutures break down over time, and your body disposes of them naturally. They’re a common option for many minor injury repairs. 

Nonabsorbable 

Nonabsorbable sutures are threads that your body can’t remove naturally. These types of sutures usually stay in place for at least several days after your procedure, and you’ll return to the office for suture removal. 

Both absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures have a variety of options in terms of thread material, thickness, and construction. The highly experienced Urgent CareX providers choose the suture type that will best encourage healing so you can recover as quickly as possible.  

How do I take care of sutures?

After laceration repair or other procedures requiring sutures, the Urgent CareX providers give you aftercare instructions. You’ll receive specific information about cleaning the area around the sutures, keeping the sutures dry, and watching for complications. You may also need to take an antibiotic after a procedure, which deters infection as you heal. 

Sutures are normally associated with hospital stays, but at Urgent CareX, you can conveniently get laceration repair or other minor procedures in the office. To schedule your appointment, call the office nearest to you or click on the online scheduling link today.