Laceration Repair (Stitches & Wound Closure) in Cumming & Dawsonville

When to See a Doctor for a Cut

If you’ve sustained a cut, knowing when to visit a healthcare provider is important. Here are a few signs that your wound may need medical attention:

• Gaping edges: The wound won’t stay closed.
• Bleeding: Continues or restarts easily.
• Location concerns: Cuts on the hands, face, joints, or genital areas.
• Dirty wounds: If your cut has soil, glass, or other foreign material.
• Animal bites: These can sometimes require urgent care or emergency services, depending on the depth and location.

If you’re unsure, call us for guidance.

When Should You Go to the ER?

Some cuts require emergency care, and in these cases, it’s important to go to the ER immediately. Seek emergency attention if:

• Uncontrolled bleeding that won’t stop despite applying pressure.
• Very deep wounds that may involve muscles, tendons, or bones.
• Facial or eye area injuries that could affect vision or appearance.
• Tendon or nerve damage, such as numbness or loss of movement.
• Severe contamination from dirt, rust, or embedded objects.
• Major trauma, such as a crush injury or after an accident.

For these situations, immediate ER care is essential.

What to Expect During Wound Closure

When you come in for a laceration repair, here’s what you can expect during your visit:

1. Evaluation: A quick assessment of your wound and surrounding area to determine the best treatment.
2. Cleaning: We’ll clean the wound thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Numbing: A local anesthetic will be applied to minimize pain during the procedure.
4. Closure: The wound will be closed using stitches or another suitable method, based on its size and location.
5. Tetanus update: We’ll check your immunization status and provide a tetanus shot if necessary.
6. Aftercare instructions: We’ll give you clear instructions on cleaning the wound, dressing it, and how to monitor for signs of infection.

Our goal is to make the process as comfortable and efficient as possible. We’ll ensure you leave with all the necessary information for proper healing.

Follow-Up and Stitch Removal

The timing of your follow-up visit depends on the location and size of your wound. Generally, stitches are removed a few days after the procedure.

If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or increased pain, contact us immediately. We’ll schedule a follow-up to ensure proper healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer same-day appointments for stitches?
Same-day visits may be available, but it’s best to call our office to check current availability.

How do I know if I need stitches?
If a cut is deep, keeps bleeding, or won’t stay closed, we recommend coming in for an evaluation.

Do I need a tetanus shot?
You may need one if you’re not up to date on vaccines or if the wound is contaminated. It’s best to come in for a consultation for a definitive answer.

Will you remove stitches later?
Yes. We schedule follow-up visits for stitch removal when appropriate.

Which location should I go to?
You can visit either our Cumming or Dawsonville office.