When to Call the Doctor

Examine the wound with the suture daily during bandage changes. Look for signs or symptoms of infection:

• Increased pain
  
  
• Swelling
  
  
• Redness
  
  
• Fever
  
  
• Drainage of pus or pus-like material
  
  
• Red streaking from the wound
  
  
• Separation of the wound

If you develop any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately for further evaluation. Your doctor will likely start you on antibiotics.

• You should also see your doctor for continued bleeding, for removal of sutures, and if the doctor who placed the sutures recommends that your wound be checked (usually 2 days after placement of sutures).
  
  
• Call your doctor if your sutures fall out before your scheduled time for suture removal because your wound may open up, potentially causing a larger scar.