Dr. Chopra is now performing DOT and flight (FAA) physicals. Walk-in visits welcome.

Laceration Repair

Arundel Medical Group, Inc.

Primary Care Practice & Chiropractor located in Glen Burnie, MD

Deep cuts can be painful and alarming, but with proper treatment, your wound will heal quickly with minimal scarring. The highly qualified experts at Arundel Medical Group, Inc., perform laceration repair procedures right in the office. To reduce the chance of infection and ensure your wound heals as it should visit the office in Glen Burnie, Maryland, within twelve hours of your injury. They accept same day walk-ins in addition to appointments that can be scheduled ahead of time.

Laceration Repair Q & A

What is laceration?

Cuts and tears in your skin and other soft tissue are known medically as lacerations. Minor cuts don’t usually require medical attention, but deeper cuts should be repaired by a medical professional to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection.

How do I know if a wound requires repair?

If you have a wound that has uneven or jagged edges, or that exposes underlying muscle, fat, tendon, or bone, you should see a medical provider for laceration repair.

You should also seek medical care if your wound: 

  • Contains dirt or debris
  • Causes prolonged or excessive bleeding
  • Is more than ⅛ inch deep

To ensure your wound heals correctly with minimal scarring and to avoid infection, you should have a doctor evaluate your wound within 12 hours of your injury.

What techniques are used to repair lacerations?

The experienced providers at Arundel Medical Group have training and expertise in all laceration repair techniques. They perform laceration repair right in the clinic. 

Laceration repair begins with a thorough cleansing and a careful examination to determine the extent of the injury. Your physician may use surgical tools to remove damaged tissue or debris before closing the wound. They may also inject you with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the repair process.

Depending on the nature of your laceration, your provider can close the wound as an in-office procedure using one of the following:

Most Commonly Used Sutures

Adhesive strips

Adhesive strips are used for larger wounds that aren’t located in areas that bend or where the skin must remain in a state of tension. The strips must stay dry and in place for at least 72 hours.

Staples

Staples are used in high-tension areas such as the scalp, neck, arms, and legs. Your doctor removes the staples after 5-10 days.

If your injury requires care from a specialist or surgeon, the team at Arundel Medical Group can recommend an expert to provide your care.

If you have a cut that needs medical attention, call Arundel Medical Group Inc. today or request an appointment online. Walk-ins are also welcome.