with a cut how deep does it need to be before getting stitches.?

Answer 1

My mother, a registered nurse once told me about skin, being made of 3 layers, the epidermis, dermis and subcuteneous layers. In general, if a cut is deep enough to penetrate the 3rd layer into the fat layer below, it will reqiure stitches to heal properly. Actually,even a deeper cut can heal without stitches if the edges can be held together in some manner, even with something so simple as a band-aid. The major problem is holding the edges together while the edges knit together, which the location of the cut determines whether it will need stitches or not. In general, the deeper the cut, no matter the location, the more likely stitches will be used. The next problem is infection, a serious thing indeed and a separate issue entirely. I recentlyhad a slice to my left kneecap which went to the bone. It was disturbing to actually SEE the bone at the bottom the the cut. The doctor did NOT use stitches, but rather simply cleaned the wound, and bound it together with a large stretch pressure bandage which pulled the edges together and held them firmly in place, and then an ace elastic bandage to prevent my knee from flexing. It was a clean cut and no skin was missing. After a couple of days, he replaced the bandage with another one and all I have now is a scar which is gradually lightening in color from the deep brown it was. So, stitches are not always necessary, even for a rather deep wound.

Answer 2

My 19 month old just needed stitches last week! The nurse at the Urgent Care said that even though it wasn't very wide it should have stitches because it was gaping when they pulled it apart. Plus it kept oozing blood. The cut was right by the eye, so they wanted to stitch it up so the skin, etc., would mend together and not leave a big scar. Of course, when in doubt, get it checked out! : )

Answer 3

If the skin is separated and the cut lays open it will heal that way. Granulosis (healing) will take place to fill in the gap and you will be left with a scar the size and shape of the opening (gap). The purpose of stitches is to pull the skin (and underlying tissues if necessary) together so they will heal quicker, cleaner and with minimal scaring.

Answer 4

If it's on the face, get it stitched no matter what since you don't want a scar. In fact, on the face I recommend a plastic surgeon.

Not sure for the rest of the body.

Answer 5

It depends where it is on your body. If it is on a joint, then odds are that it will require stitches. If it is on your head, it will most likely get stitched. Sometimes they can get away with steri-strips, but it is up to the doctor and how much blood you lost.

Answer 6

it's deep enough if you are losing a lot of blood. then it needs stitched urgently

Answer 7

It depends on where you are cut but generally if the skin doesn't go back together easily when you release tension on the area or if you don't stop bleeding.

Answer 8

depth is not always the problem it is mostly the location of the cut. I was a e.m.t and some small cuts are more dangerous and bleed more the some bigger cuts it is all were the cut is located.

Answer 9

Deep enough to where it cannot stay closed by itself in order to heal properly.

Answer 10

actually it also depends if it is gapped open. it doesn,t have to be that deep to have stitches if its gapped open you can tell when you see it.