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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 Marshall Square in Chicago, Illinois, offers expert wound care, including cleansing and applying sutures 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.
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.