A cut on your face can be on your chin, cheek, nose, forehead, eyelid, lip, or ear.
The doctor used stitches to close the cut. Using stitches helps the cut heal and reduces scarring. The doctor may also have called in a specialist, such as a plastic surgeon, to close the cut.
If the cut went deep and through the skin, the doctor may have put in two layers of stitches. The deeper layer brings the deep part of the cut together. These stitches will dissolve and don't need to be removed. The stitches in the upper layer are the ones you see on the cut.
You will probably have a bandage.
You will need to have the stitches removed, usually in 3 to 5 days.
The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.
If emergency care is not needed, the following steps will protect the wound and protect you from another person's blood.
If gloves are not available, to apply pressure you can:
Use a clock to time the 15 minutes. It can seem like a long time. Resist the urge to peek after a few minutes to see whether bleeding has stopped. If blood soaks through the cloth, apply another one without lifting the first.
If moderate to severe bleeding has not slowed or stopped, continue direct pressure while getting help. Mild bleeding usually stops on its own or slows to an ooze or trickle after 15 minutes of pressure. It may ooze or trickle for up to 45 minutes. Do all you can to keep the wound clean and avoid further injury to the area.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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