In general, lacerations that require sutures include:
- Facial lacerations over 1/4 inch (6 mm)
- Genital lacerations over 1/4 inch (6 mm)
- Hand or foot lacerations over 1/4 inch (6 mm)
- Lacerations over 1/2 inch (1.27 cm)
Guidelines for Suture Removal - Face: 4 to 5 days
- Scalp: 7 days
- Neck: 7 days
- Trunk: 10 days
- Extremities: 10 to 14 days
Sutures may need to stay in longer when the laceration is over a joint, or in an area that is under a lot of
stress, such as the palm of the hand or sole of the foot.
