Removal of stitches

[Hesalwaysplayinggolf]

Hi all

DD had to have 6 stitches on her forehead. She split it open 💔😭 She is 23 months old.

We are due to go get them removed at the GP surgery tomorrow. Can anyone let me know what to expect? Anyone who has had a toddler have stitches removed have any tips?

im really anxious she’ll be in pain and it will be really difficult to keep her still.

thank you x

No experience but would exciting snacks keep her still?

Stitch removal doesn’t hurt hardest thing will be keeping her still for the minute it takes to take them out!
mid recommend sitting up on the couch with her in between your legs laying back against you and putting something on your phone for her to watch

Might be a slight pulling feeling depending on how healed the skin is over the stitch but that's all.

Stitch removal just requires a stitch cutter (like a blade) to cut over the knot and pull the stitch through (imagine removing a stitch in clothing)

for a toddler, best plan would be how to keep distracted to allow the health practitioner to do it. As pps have said, it isn’t painful but being on the forehead, it requires a stranger getting close to them and she may not like that.

Hospital paeds rooms have a sensory room with lights/sounds/iPads so I think taking along her favourite book/toys and promise of ice cream afterwards may do the trick! Good luck 😊 hopefully it’s not too traumatising.