Skip to main content

Animal Bites (Mammal): Suture Removal

Timing of Suture Removal 

Wound location 

Timing of removal (days) 

Face/Neck 

3 - 5 

Scalp 

7 - 10 

Arms 

7 - 10 

Trunk 

10 - 14 

Legs 

10 - 14 

Hands or feet 

10 - 14 

Palms of hands or soles of feet

14 - 21 

 

Reference: Forsch, R.T., Little. S.H. & Williams, C (2017) Laceration repair: A practical approach. American Family Physician, 95(10), 628-636

 

These pathways do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different, and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare a pathway for each. Accordingly, these pathways should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.