Suture Removal Timing for Forehead Wounds
Sutures in the forehead should be removed after 5-7 days. 1
Evidence-Based Timing
The forehead is part of the head and face region, which has excellent blood supply and heals faster than other body areas. Based on current guidelines:
- Non-absorbable sutures on the face and scalp are typically removed between 5-7 days after placement 1
- This timing balances adequate wound healing against the risks of prolonged suture retention 1
- The World Journal of Emergency Surgery supports removal at 7-9 days for many superficial wounds, though facial wounds can be removed earlier due to superior vascularity 1
Why This Timing Matters
Removing sutures too early (before 5 days):
- Increases risk of wound dehiscence (wound reopening) 1, 2
- May result in widened scars 1, 2
- Compromises structural integrity before adequate collagen formation 3
Leaving sutures in too long (beyond 7 days on the forehead):
- Increases infection risk 1, 2
- Creates permanent suture track marks (railroad scarring) 2
- Causes tissue reaction and inflammation 2
- May result in skin growing over the sutures, making removal more difficult 2
Clinical Context
The forehead benefits from the face's rich vascular supply, which accelerates healing compared to areas like the hand (which requires 10-14 days) 2. Research in scalp wounds—which share similar healing characteristics with forehead wounds—demonstrates that 5-day suture removal provides optimal healing with minimal inflammation 3.
Post-Removal Care
- Patients can wash forehead wounds with soap and water as early as 8 hours after closure without affecting healing or infection rates 4
- Consider applying steri-strips for additional support after suture removal, especially if any tension remains across the wound 2
- Keep the area clean and dry after removal 2
Alternative Considerations
If absorbable sutures are used for skin closure (such as coated irradiated polyglactin 910), removal is unnecessary as they dissolve on their own, though this is less common for facial wounds where precise scar control is desired 5.