Yes, it's generally okay for stitches to bleed a little, especially in the first few days after surgery.
Understanding Bleeding After Stitches
A small amount of bleeding or oozing from an incision with stitches is often considered normal. However, it's important to understand the difference between normal oozing and excessive bleeding.
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Normal Oozing: In the initial days following surgery, it's common to see a small amount of blood coming from the incision. The reference highlights that this is "a normal amount of blood to ooze out of your incision immediately following your surgery (ie during the first few days post op)." Sometimes this blood mixes with other body fluids, which can make it seem like there's more bleeding than there actually is.
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Excessive Bleeding: This would involve a continuous flow of blood that doesn't stop with gentle pressure. This is not normal and warrants immediate medical attention.
When to be Concerned
While some bleeding is expected, watch out for the following signs that indicate a problem:
- Soaking through bandages quickly: Frequent bandage changes due to saturation.
- Pulsating blood: Blood that spurts or pulses from the incision.
- Large blood clots: Formation of large clots at the incision site.
- Increased pain or swelling: Accompanied by excessive bleeding.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or surgeon immediately.
Tips for Managing Minor Bleeding
Here are some steps you can take to manage minor bleeding from stitches:
- Apply gentle pressure: Use a clean cloth to apply gentle, direct pressure to the incision for several minutes.
- Elevate the area: If possible, elevate the area with stitches to help reduce blood flow.
- Keep the area clean and dry: Follow your doctor's instructions for wound care.
- Avoid strenuous activity: Refrain from activities that could put stress on the incision.
