When to Seek Laceration Repair for A Cut or Open Wound

Chances are, you’ll end up with a cut or open wound at some point — if not many times — in your life. And while many wounds heal on their own, some cuts require medical treatment for the best outcome.

Our team of expert medical providers at Arundel Medical Group, Inc., located in Glen Burnie, Maryland, performs laceration repair for cuts and wounds to ensure proper healing.

Here, we explore more about lacerations, including signs it’s time to seek professional care.

Laceration basics

A laceration is a cut or tear in your skin that goes beyond a minor papercut. Typically caused by a sharp object, such as a kitchen knife or shard of broken glass, these common injuries lead some 6 million people into United States emergency rooms each year. 

When to seek laceration treatment

To lower your risk of infection and get you on the path to proper healing after your laceration, we recommend visiting our office within 12 hours of the injury.

Other signs you need medical care for your wound include:

• Bleeding that won’t stop, even after applying pressure
• Jagged or uneven edges
• Dirt or debris within the cut
• Exposed bone, fat, muscle, or tendon
• A depth of more than ⅛ inch
• A length of longer than ½ inch

You may also need to seek prompt medical treatment for your cut if you have a medical condition that impacts blood clotting or healing, such as hemophilia.

What to expect from laceration repair

Our expert team at Arundel Medical Group Inc. performs laceration repair onsite in our clinic. The process begins with a careful examination and thorough cleaning of your wound. Next, our team may use surgical tools to remove any debris or damaged tissue before closing it. To keep you comfortable, we may apply a local anesthetic beforehand. 

To close your laceration, your provider may use adhesive strips, traditional stitches, or staples. The strips work well for larger cuts that aren’t on a bendy part of your body, like your knees. Staples are ideal for higher-tension areas, like your arms, legs, neck, and scalp.

Depending on the specifics of your injury, it may take up to three months for full healing. Open wounds that require stitches may heal a bit faster or within 6-8 weeks. 

Throughout the healing process, keep the area clean and contact us if you spot signs of an infection, such as increased swelling, warmth, or pain. Oozing discharge may also be a sign of an infection.

To learn more about cuts and open wounds or to get the laceration repair you need, call our office or request an appointment via this website today.