Does It Hurt to Remove Stitches? A Comprehensive Guide

September 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to wound care experts, while many people anticipate a painful experience, the procedure for removing stitches typically causes little to no pain. Instead of a sharp sting, most individuals report feeling only a slight tugging or pressure as the sutures are pulled through the skin.

Quick Summary

Stitch removal is generally a fast, minimally uncomfortable procedure that does not require anesthesia. The sensation is typically a mild pulling, with the level of discomfort depending on factors like stitch location, healing progress, and patient anxiety.

Key Points

Mild Discomfort, Not Pain: Most people feel only a slight tugging or pressure during stitch removal, not sharp pain.
Fast and Anesthesia-Free: The procedure is quick, typically lasting only a few minutes, and rarely requires numbing medication.
Location Matters: Sutures in sensitive, high-movement areas like the hands or face may feel more noticeable, though facial stitches are often very fine and simple to remove.
Timing is Crucial: Removing stitches too early can reopen the wound, while waiting too long can cause them to become embedded and more difficult to remove.
Proper Aftercare: Following your provider's instructions for keeping the wound clean, protected from sun, and moisturized is key to minimizing scarring and promoting healing.
Professional Removal is Recommended: A healthcare provider should always remove stitches to ensure the wound is fully healed and to prevent infection.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Removing stitches, or sutures, is a quick, straightforward procedure performed by a healthcare professional. Unlike the process of putting them in, which often involves a local anesthetic, removal is usually painless enough that numbing agents are not necessary. The entire process typically takes only a few minutes, depending on the number of stitches.

The Step-by-Step Process

Cleaning the Wound: The healthcare provider will first clean the area with an antiseptic to soften any crusted blood or fluids and reduce the risk of infection.
Cutting the Sutures: Using sterile scissors, the provider will cut the stitch loop on one side of the knot, taking care not to drag the part of the thread that was exposed to the outside through the healing skin.
Removing the Thread: The provider will gently pull on the knot with tweezers, sliding the thread out of the skin.
Repeat and Aftercare: The process is repeated for each stitch. Afterward, the area is cleaned again, and a bandage or adhesive strips may be applied to support the new, fragile skin.

Factors Influencing Discomfort

While stitch removal is generally not painful, the level of discomfort can vary from person to person. Several factors contribute to the sensation you might feel:

Location of the Wound: Areas of the body with higher nerve density or more movement tend to be more sensitive. Facial, hand, and knee stitches may cause more noticeable sensations than those on the scalp or back.
Timing of Removal: Stitches left in for too long can become embedded in the healing tissue, making removal more difficult and potentially causing more tugging or discomfort. It is crucial to follow your provider's recommended timeline for removal, which is typically 7 to 14 days, though facial stitches may come out sooner.
Type of Sutures Used: Different suture materials have varying effects. Monofilament sutures, which are smooth, tend to slide out with less friction than braided sutures. The size (gauge) of the suture thread also plays a role; thinner threads are less noticeable during removal.
Condition of the Wound: A well-healed wound with minimal swelling or inflammation will result in a smoother removal. If the site is still inflamed or has heavy crusting, the process may be more sensitive. The provider will address these issues before proceeding.
Patient Anxiety: Psychological factors like anxiety can heighten a person's perception of pain. A calm and reassuring approach from the practitioner can significantly improve the patient's experience.

Common Myths vs. Facts About Stitch Removal

It is common to have misconceptions about stitch removal. The following table compares some common myths with the facts established by medical practice and patient experience.


Myth	Fact
It's going to hurt a lot.	It usually doesn't hurt. Most people experience a mild tugging sensation or slight pressure, not sharp pain.
Anesthesia is always needed.	Anesthesia is rarely needed. The process is quick enough that numbing agents are generally unnecessary, though topical anesthetics can be used for anxious or sensitive patients.
Facial stitches are the most painful.	Facial stitches are often less painful. They use very fine, thin thread to minimize scarring and come out easily and quickly.
The longer they're in, the more it will hurt.	The right timing is key. While leaving them in too long can increase discomfort due to sticking or embedding, removing them too early can reopen the wound.
If it hurts, something is wrong.	Mild discomfort can be normal. A slight pull is to be expected, but sharp or intense pain could signal a complication, such as a stitch that is too tight, stuck, or embedded.

Aftercare: Post-Removal Wound Care

Proper aftercare is essential for ensuring the wound continues to heal properly and for minimizing scarring.

Cleanliness: Keep the area clean and dry, washing gently with mild soap and water as instructed by your provider.
Protection: The new skin is fragile. Protect it from injury and sun exposure, which can cause discoloration. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily after the site has fully healed.
Moisturize: Your provider may recommend applying an ointment, like Vaseline, to keep the wound site moist and aid healing.
Watch for Infection: Continue to monitor the wound for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.

Tips for a Smoother Stitch Removal Experience

Here are some tips to help you feel more comfortable and prepared for your appointment:

Communicate with your provider: Tell them if you are anxious or have a low pain tolerance. They can explain the process and help you relax.
Keep the wound clean: Following wound care instructions diligently helps prevent crusting and ensures a smoother removal process.
Relax: Focus on deep breathing and try to stay calm. Tensing up can make the skin feel tighter and the process more uncomfortable.
Positioning: Ensuring you are comfortably seated or lying down can help reduce anxiety and make the area more accessible for the provider.
Ask for topical anesthetic if needed: If you are particularly concerned about pain, especially on a sensitive area, ask your provider if a topical numbing cream might be appropriate.

A Final Word on Stitch Removal

Anticipating any medical procedure can be stressful, but understanding the process can alleviate much of the anxiety. Stitch removal is a common, fast, and relatively painless procedure. By communicating with your healthcare provider and following proper aftercare, you can ensure a smooth and successful experience. For more information, you can also consult resources like WebMD's guide on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most people find that stitch removal is not very painful. You may feel a slight tugging or pulling sensation as the threads are removed, but it is typically a mild and brief discomfort rather than sharp pain.

Anesthetic is not typically used for stitch removal because the procedure is so fast and minimally painful. However, in cases of high patient anxiety or for very sensitive areas, a topical numbing agent may be used.

The process is very quick. A typical stitch removal appointment only takes a few minutes, depending on the number and location of the sutures.

Your healthcare provider will clean the wound with an antiseptic solution before removal to soften any crusts or dried fluids. This makes the process smoother and minimizes discomfort from pulling.

It is strongly advised not to remove your own stitches. A healthcare professional needs to assess the wound's healing progress to ensure it's ready, and to perform the procedure using sterile technique to prevent infection.

Surprisingly, no. While the face has more nerve endings, facial sutures are usually very fine and placed with care to minimize scarring. They often come out easily with minimal discomfort.

This term refers to a deeper, dissolvable stitch that works its way to the surface of the skin. It can look like a pimple-like bump along the incision line and may feel like a sharp or pointed spot. A provider can remove it if needed.

Your provider will give specific instructions, but common aftercare involves keeping the area clean, protecting it from sun exposure, and potentially applying an ointment like petroleum jelly to aid healing.