Do I Need Stitches?
Know the signs — and why getting stitches from a board-certified plastic surgeon near you makes all the difference for healing and scar prevention.
Call Now — 1-(855)-STITCH0Insurance verified in 60 seconds · Surgeon arrives within 1 hour
6 Signs Your Cut Needs Stitches
When in doubt, call us. We assess over the phone in under a minute — and a plastic surgeon meets you at the ER within 60 minutes.
Depth over ¼ inch
If the cut is deeper than a quarter inch, the wound likely needs sutures to close properly and heal without infection.
Gaping or won't stay closed
If the edges of the wound pull apart or won't stay together on their own, stitches are needed to hold the tissue in place.
Bleeding won't stop
If direct pressure for 10–15 minutes doesn't control the bleeding, the wound needs professional closure immediately.
Located on the face
Any cut on the face — especially near the eyes, lips, or nose — should be closed by a plastic surgeon to minimize scarring.
On the hand or over a joint
Cuts on hands, fingers, or over joints can involve tendons or nerves and require expert evaluation and closure.
Jagged or irregular edges
Ragged wound edges are harder to heal cleanly. A plastic surgeon can properly align tissue for the best cosmetic result.
ER Doctor vs. Plastic Surgeon for Stitches
Typical ER Doctor
- General training — not specialized in wound closure
- Prioritizes speed over cosmetic outcome
- May use staples or basic sutures
- Scarring is not the primary concern
- Long wait times before being seen
- No follow-up scar management plan
The Stitch Doc Plastic Surgeon
- Board-certified plastic surgeon — specialized in wound closure
- Cosmetic outcome is the primary goal
- Layered closure with fine sutures for minimal scarring
- Scar-minimizing techniques from the first stitch
- Meets you within 60 minutes — bedside registration
- Full aftercare + telehealth scar management follow-up
Think You Need Stitches?
Call us now. We verify your insurance in 60 seconds and dispatch a board-certified plastic surgeon to meet you at the nearest hospital within 1 hour. Available 24/7/365 across NY, NJ, and Long Island.
1-(855)-STITCH0 | 1-(855)-784-8240All major insurance accepted · NY · NJ · Long Island