Suture Removal Time Period
- Face: 5 days
- Ear: 5 days
- Neck: 7 days
- Scalp: 7 days
- Arm: 10 days
- Hand: 10 days
- Leg: 10 days
- Chest: 10 days
- Abdomen: 10 days
- Back: 14 days
- Foot: 14 days
Sutures in wounds under greater tension may have to be left in place slightly longer. For joint extensor surfaces, add 3 days.
Needle Types
- Taper Point: This is a standard sewing needle type needle- it just gets bigger as you go along. It dilates the skin rather than cuts it. Best suited for soft tissue and stuff that stretches.
- Reverse Cutting: Very sharp, and ideal for the skin. This cuts rather than dilates.
- Conventional Cutting: Very sharp, cuts rather than dilates. However this needle has the cutting surface on the inside of the curve of the needle – so it creates weaknesses that allow the suture to tear out.
- Taper Cutting: This is mainly used in cardiac or vascular procedures, because it works well on touch or calcified tissues.
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