Stitches and suturing in Patong
Deep cuts happen fast on holiday. A slip on wet tiles, broken glass on the beach road, a scooter that went down. If a cut is gaping open or will not stop bleeding, you probably need stitches and suturing in Patong, and timing matters more than most people realise.
We are open 24 hours on Prachanukroh Road and you can walk straight in. There is a window for stitching a wound cleanly, and it is shorter than you think.
How soon do stitches need to be done?
Ideally within 6 to 12 hours. After that, bacteria have had time to multiply in the wound, and closing it traps them inside. Some wounds can still be closed later, but the risk of infection climbs.
So if you are debating whether to leave it until morning, come in now. Worst case we tell you it does not need stitching and you have lost half an hour.
Does the cut actually need stitches?
A cut probably needs closing if:
- The edges do not sit together when you release the pressure
- It is deeper than about 5mm, or you can see fat or tissue
- It keeps bleeding after 10 minutes of firm pressure
- It is longer than about 2cm
- It crosses a joint, like a knuckle or knee, where movement pulls it open
- It is on the face, where a good cosmetic result matters
If you are unsure, send us a photo on WhatsApp. We will tell you honestly whether it needs closing.
What happens when you come in
The doctor examines the wound and checks whether anything underneath is damaged, such as a tendon or nerve. That check matters on hands and fingers, where a cut that looks small can involve a tendon.
Then the area is numbed with local anaesthetic. The injection stings briefly, and after that you should feel pressure but not pain. Tell us if you do feel pain, because we can add more.
The wound is cleaned thoroughly, closed with stitches, and dressed. Most cuts take 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish.
Stitches, glue or strips?
Not everything needs a needle. Small, clean, straight cuts on low-tension areas can be closed with medical glue or adhesive strips, which is easier for children and leaves no stitch marks. Cuts on the face are often glued for that reason.
Deeper cuts, anything under tension, or wounds over joints need proper sutures. We use the approach that fits the wound rather than a single default.
When stitches come out
It depends where the wound is:
- Face: 5 days
- Scalp, arms and hands: 7 to 10 days
- Trunk and legs: 10 to 14 days
- Over joints: 14 days
Removal is quick and painless. If you are flying home before then, we tell you the date and any doctor or nurse can do it. We can also use dissolving stitches where that suits.
Looking after stitches in Patong
Keep the wound dry for the first 48 hours. After that, brief showers are fine if you dry it gently and re-cover it. No swimming pools and no sea until the stitches are out and the wound has closed. Keep it out of direct sun to reduce scarring.
Come back if the area becomes more painful after day two, if redness spreads, or if there is discharge.
Common questions about stitches in Patong
Does it hurt?
The numbing injection stings for a few seconds. After that you feel pulling and pressure, not pain.
How much do stitches cost in Patong?
It depends on the size and location of the wound. Message us a photo and we will quote before you come.
Do I need a tetanus jab too?
If your last booster was over 10 years ago, yes, and we can do it in the same visit.
Can you remove stitches put in somewhere else?
Yes. Come in on the date you were given and we will take them out and check the healing.
Can I still fly?
Usually yes. If your airline wants confirmation, we can issue a fit to fly certificate.