Wound Suturing

What does the service include?

• Evaluation of wound depth and damage to tendons, nerves or vessels
• Cleaning, irrigation and removal of foreign bodies
• Local anesthesia
• Closure with stitches, staples or adhesive, depending on the wound
• Tetanus booster if more than 5 years have passed
• Care instructions, a prescription if needed, and suture removal at the clinic

Which wounds need stitches?

• Cuts longer than 1 centimeter or with edges that pull apart
• Deep wounds where fat or tissue is visible
• Bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of pressure
• Cuts on the face, hands or over joints, where scarring or movement matter

Scrapes and shallow cuts with edges together usually close on their own with cleaning and a bandage.

How long do I have to get a wound stitched?

Ideally within the first 6 to 8 hours. On the face and scalp it can be closed up to 24 hours later. After that, the wound is cleaned and allowed to heal on its own to avoid infection, or closed days later depending on how it progresses.

What is the procedure, step by step?

1. 1The wound is examined and movement and sensation in the area are checked.
2. 2Local anesthesia is applied; after the initial pinch you will not feel pain.
3. 3The wound is washed with plenty of solution and debris is removed.
4. 4Stitches are placed and the wound is covered with a bandage.
5. 5A tetanus booster is given if needed.

How do I care for stitches at home?

• Keep the bandage dry and clean for the first 24 to 48 hours
• Then wash gently with soap and water and pat dry
• Do not soak the wound in water, such as a pool or bathtub, until the stitches are removed
• Come in if redness spreads, there is pus, warmth, fever or increasing pain

When are stitches removed?

1. 1Face: 5 to 7 days
2. 2Scalp: 7 to 10 days
3. 3Arms, trunk and legs: 10 to 14 days
4. 4Hands, feet and joints: 10 to 14 days

Removal is done at the clinic and takes a few minutes.

When should I go to the ER instead of the clinic?

Bleeding that cannot be controlled with pressure, wounds from a weapon or with visible bone, partial amputation, loss of sensation or movement, and deep bites on the face or hands need emergency care.

How does payment work?

You don't need health insurance. Pricing is self-pay, cash and cards are accepted, and you can ask for the cost of the service by phone or WhatsApp before your visit.

Where is the clinic and which areas does it serve?

Clínica Hispana Familiar 529 is at 15003 FM 529 B, Houston, TX 77095, in northwest Houston. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, walk-ins welcome. It serves patients from Copperfield, Bear Creek, Cypress, Jersey Village, Katy and nearby communities.