Wounds are closed with stitches (sometimes called sutures), metal clips, staples or glue. What is used depends on the type of surgery, the type of wound and the area of your body.
- Dissolvable stitches usually disappear in about 1–3 weeks. Do not pull your stitches.
- Non-dissolvable stitches are usually removed after 3–14 days. You will be told when and where they will be removed. Do not pull your stitches.
- Clips and staples are usually removed after 3–14 days depending on what surgery you have had. Do not pull your clips or staples.
- Sometimes staples are removed after 3 days and replaced with steri-strips (thin adhesive strips placed across the wound). Steri-strips are usually left in place until they fall off.
- Glue may be used on smaller wounds and does not need removing. It usually peels off by itself in 5–10 days. You should try to keep the wound dry for about 5 days. Do not pick the glue off.
After the cut is joined back together, the skin edges form an early seal within a few days. This then strengthens over the following weeks and months.