When should sutures be removed from the face, hands/feet, trunk (approximately)?
To close wounds sutures are used. The removal time varies according to the site. Most wounds achieve reasonable tensile strength in 1-2 weeks so sutures should not be kept for more than that if the wound is healthy. As a general guide: face sutures should be removed within 5-7 days. While neck sutures take 7 days. On the scalp sutures should be removed in 10 days and on trunk and arms they should be kept for 2 weeks. Leg sutures are left up to 14 to 21 days. This applies only to non- absorbable sutures and not on absorbable sutures. Also before removing sutures it is necessary to check if the wound is healthy and no signs of dehiscence is seen.