The actual process of getting stitches should not hurt, thanks to numbing medication.
Understanding the Stitches Procedure
Before the actual suturing begins, the area around the wound is usually numbed. This is done using an injection of lidocaine or similar medication. While the injection might sting or burn briefly, the reference states that:
You can expect some slight burning or stinging during the numbing process. It doesn't last long, and thankfully the suturing process is painless once it takes effect.
Once the medication takes effect, the area is numb, and the suturing can be done without causing any pain. The purpose of the numbing medication is to make the whole procedure as comfortable as possible.
Pain Post-Suturing
- Initial Pain: As the numbing medication wears off, you might experience some pain, throbbing, or discomfort at the wound site. This is a normal part of the healing process.
- Infection: If the wound becomes infected, it may cause significant pain, redness, swelling, and possibly pus. This would require medical attention.
Key Points
| Aspect | Pain Experience |
|---|---|
| Numbing Process | Slight stinging or burning during injection. |
| Suturing | Typically painless once numbing takes effect. |
| After Numbing Wears Off | Possible pain or discomfort as medication fades away. |
| Infection | Significant pain, redness, swelling possible. |
Conclusion
The actual application of stitches is not painful due to the use of numbing medication, although the injection may briefly sting, and there might be pain later on as the numbness wears off or in cases of infection.
