Sutures

Urgent Care located in:

Sutures services offered in Cicero and Chicago, IL

Deep, large, or bleeding wounds need sutures to prevent infections, stop the bleeding, and accelerate healing. Cermak Immediate Care in Cicero and the neighborhood of Pilsen & McKinley Park in Chicago, Illinois, offers expert wound care, including cleansing and applying stitches when necessary. If you have a wound, seek treatment right away. The team welcomes walk-in patients at both offices. You can also call or go online to schedule an appointment.

Sutures

What are sutures?

Sutures are stitches using a sterile, thin medical thread to close wounds. Stitching the edges of a wound together lowers the risk of infections and supports healing. An open wound heals faster and forms a stronger bond when the edges are close together.

Are there different kinds of sutures?

Yes. Absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures are available. Additionally, various materials are used to make both types.

Your body breaks down and clears away absorbable sutures. However, these sutures are primarily used to close wounds after surgery.

At Cermak Immediate Care, the team uses nonabsorbable sutures when treating cuts and other wounds. Your provider must remove these sutures after the wound heals.

When would I need sutures?

It’s not always easy to know when you need sutures. Whether you need them depends on what kind of wound it is, where it’s at, its size and depth, and the risk of infection.

One sign that you need stitches is having a wound you can’t close with gentle pushing. However, even if you can push the edges together, you might still need sutures if the wound is deep.

Because of the variables, you should see your Cermak Immediate Care provider to determine if stitches are necessary. If you’re uncertain, call the office or walk in for an exam instead of waiting to see if the wound heals. Sutures should be applied within 6-8 hours.

Your provider may recommend sutures when the wound:

  • Is longer than three-quarter inches
  • Is more than one-quarter inch deep
  • Has jagged edges
  • Has a large opening (the edges don’t meet)
  • Is over a joint (where movement may keep pulling the wound open)
  • Is deep enough to reveal underlying tissues (muscle and bone)
  • Is on your hand or fingers
  • Is in an area where you want to minimize scarring

You’ll also need sutures if the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes of constant pressure.

What happens when getting sutures?

The skilled Cermak Immediate Care providers first stop any bleeding. Then, they focus on easing your pain and cleaning and examining the wound to determine the best treatment. If you need sutures, they use a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort before stitching the wound.

Cermak Immediate Care welcomes walk-in patients at both their offices. If your wound isn’t bleeding or severe, you can also schedule a same-day appointment through online booking or by phone.

Insurance & Self-Pay Options

We accept most major insurance plans. Self-pay pricing is also available — no hidden fees.

Don't wait — feel better today.

Walk in anytime or book online to save your spot. Two locations, open 7 days a week.

shield FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does Cermak Immediate Care treat? minus plus

We treat non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries including flu, COVID-19, strep throat, ear infections, UTIs, sore throat, lacerations, sprains and strains, minor burns, work injuries, and rashes. We also offer primary care, STD testing, physicals, women's health, and management of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

How long is the wait at an urgent care clinic in Cicero or Chicago? minus plus

Most patients are seen within 15–30 minutes of arrival, though wait times vary by location, time of day, and visit complexity. To minimize your wait, book your visit online in advance or call the location nearest you before walking in.

What insurance does Cermak Immediate Care accept? minus plus

Cermak Immediate Care accepts most major insurance plans, including PPO, HMO, and Medicare. We also offer transparent self-pay pricing with no hidden fees for uninsured or out-of-network patients. Call either location to verify your specific plan, or view our insurance and self-pay pricing page.

Do you accept walk-ins at Cermak Immediate Care? minus plus

Yes. Walk-ins are welcome at both Cermak Immediate Care locations — Cicero and Chicago, Illinois — seven days a week. The Cicero clinic is open 7 AM to 12 AM, and the Chicago clinic is open 8 AM to 9 PM. No appointment is required, though you can book online or call ahead to reduce your wait time.