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.