Wound Suturing

If you cut yourself and the wound stays open or won't stop bleeding, Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud Hammerly in Spring Branch closes it with stitches (sutures). You walk in to Hammerly Blvd with no appointment, and the procedure is done during that same visit, with local anesthesia and care in Spanish or English.

When does a cut need stitches?

• The sides of the cut gape open whenever you bend or stretch that spot.
• You can see fat, muscle or a white layer at the bottom.
• It keeps bleeding after several minutes of pressure with a clean cloth.
• It's long, or it's on your face, a hand or a joint.
• It was caused by something dirty, glass or a bite.

On the way in, press a clean cloth on it and keep it raised. Don't put powders, coffee grounds or home remedies inside the wound.

How is the wound closed, step by step?

1. The depth is checked, along with any glass, dirt or other debris.
2. Local anesthetic is injected around it so you don't feel the procedure.
3. The wound is washed thoroughly with sterile solution.
4. The needed stitches are placed to bring the edges together.
5. It's covered with a dressing and you get care instructions.

If you can't remember your last tetanus booster, you can get the shot during that visit too.

How do you look after stitches at home?

Keep the bandage dry for as long as you're told, then wash gently with mild soap and water without scrubbing. Pat it dry. Pools, hot tubs and baths have to wait until the stitches are removed. Come back sooner if you see pus, spreading redness, a bad smell or a fever.

Who takes the stitches out?

We remove them here whenever the medical team indicates, which depends on where the cut is. If the wound needs checks or dressing changes, that continues through our wound care service.

For a cut that won't close, head straight to 8538 Hammerly Blvd Suite B; we're open seven days a week.