Removing stitches from oneself...

[icemaiden]

I had my mole removed yesterday.


Yeeha! (19 weeks wait!). Anyway, the nice young doctor stitched the inner layer with dissolvable stitches and then put three outer stitches in. I have to leave it 10 days before removing them. I am away next week, in the Uk so I know that I can go to a hospital walk-in and get them out, he gave me a stitches remover blade (looks like a scapel blade) to take away with me so that I could do it myself if I wanted. I don't mind doing them but it was so long ago since I have taken stitches out myself. Any advice?

I seem to remember holding the "Tail" of the stitch and then cutting under the knot, then pulling it out gently. Any help would be appreciated.

[Sqad]

No big deal.....just cut below the knot and pull.

[icemaiden]

Thats what I thought Sqad. Thank you!

[lcg]

i did mine....but the inner stitch was a bugger. hope all is ok now, icemaiden x

[icemaiden]

Thanks Icg76. Waiting for the results now. But both the dermatologist and the Doctor yesterday said that it didn't look nasty so hopefully they are both right. X

[sherrardk]

Urgh - why did I read this, I have a really weak stomach! I couldn't take stitches out, good luck.

[yogi-bear]

Hey icemaiden x

Glad the doctor and dermatologist seem really positive and hope all's well with you.

If you dont feel comfortable taking them out yourself, just pop into a walk in hospital and they will do it for you, and make sure its done properly so no worries.

I send you all my very best, IceM xx

[lcg]

i have also taken out the cat's stitches. now that was funny.....;-)

[icemaiden]

After having a child and a spinal fusion op, removing stitches doesn't seem so bad Sherrardk. Shouldn't be any blood anyway.

I find taking stitches out of animals far easier. Now I am intrigued Icg!

[ilovemarkb]

removing staples is more fun

[JonnyBoy12]

Why are surgeons always so funny?

Because they have their patients in stitches!