Does Urgent Care Do Stitches? What to Expect at Pronto Urgent Care Fort Lauderdale
Does Urgent Care Do Stitches? What to Expect at Pronto Urgent Care Fort Lauderdale
Minor cuts and lacerations can happen to anyone—whether in the kitchen, at work, or during sports. If you’re wondering “Can urgent care do stitches?”, the answer is yes for most non‑complex wounds. At Pronto Urgent Care Fort Lauderdale, our medical team is equipped to clean, close, and care for a wide range of cuts quickly and affordably.
Which Wounds We Can Stitch
At Pronto Urgent Care, we handle most clean, uncomplicated lacerations up to 6 cm in length:
- Straight cuts on arms, legs, torso (non–cosmetic areas)
- Small scalp lacerations (hair may be shaved locally)
- Minor animal or human bites after thorough cleaning
- Superficial puncture wounds without deep tissue involvement
🔍 Important: We do not close deep, jagged, or highly contaminated wounds. Those require emergency or specialist care.
When to Avoid Urgent Care and Go to the ER
Seek an ER or call 911 if you have:
- Wounds deeper than 6 cm or punctures that risk organ damage
- Cuts over joints that impair movement or expose bone
- Heavy arterial bleeding (bright red, spurting blood)
- Crush injuries, animal bites from wild or unvaccinated animals
- Signs of severe infection: fever, red streaks, swelling beyond 24 hours
Step‑by‑Step Stitching Process
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Triage & Assessment
- Nurse evaluates bleeding, wound depth, and tetanus status.
- Pain level is assessed for appropriate anesthesia.
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Cleaning & Debridement
- Wound is irrigated with sterile saline at high pressure.
- Debris, dirt, and damaged tissue are gently removed.
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Local Anesthesia
- A short‑acting anesthetic (e.g. lidocaine) is injected around the wound.
- You’ll feel minimal discomfort as the area goes numb.
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Suturing the Wound
- Choice of absorbable vs. non‑absorbable sutures based on location.
- Layered closure for deeper cuts to reduce tension on the skin.
- Precise technique minimizes scarring.
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Dressing & Instructions
- Sterile, non‑stick gauze applied.
- Detailed printed aftercare instructions and warning signs to watch for.
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Follow‑Up Plan
- Suture removal scheduled at 7–14 days (included free at our clinic).
- Referral to plastic surgeon for complex facial closures if needed.
Cost & Insurance: What to Expect (Average Costs in Fort Lauderdale)
| Service Component | Self‑Pay Cost | Insured Copay |
|---|---|---|
| Wound Cleaning & Prep | $25–$50 | $10–$30 |
| Suturing (per cm) | $40–$60 | $20–$50 |
| Anesthesia | Included | Included |
| Dressing & Supplies | $15–$25 | $5–$15 |
| Suture Removal | Free (clinic visit) | Covered |
💡 Tip: Ask about our cash‑pay discount (10–20%) when you check in.
At‑Home Aftercare & Healing Timeline
- Day 0–1: Keep dressing clean and dry; elevate area to reduce swelling.
- Days 2–3: Gently clean with mild soap; apply antibiotic ointment.
- Days 4–7: Monitor for redness, swelling, or discharge—signs of infection.
- Days 7–14: Return to clinic for suture removal (timeline varies by location).
- Weeks 3–6: Scab fall‑off and gradual fading of scar tissue.
Preventing Infection & Complications
- Hand Hygiene: Always wash hands before changing dressings.
- Ointments: Use a thin layer of antibiotic cream twice daily.
- Rest & Protection: Avoid strenuous activity that stresses the wound.
- Watch for Warning Signs: Increasing pain, redness, warmth, or fever warrants immediate care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will stitches hurt?
Thanks to local anesthesia, you will feel minimal pain during the procedure. Some soreness afterward is normal.
What type of suture will be used?
We choose absorbable sutures for deeper layers and non‑absorbable for skin closure, depending on the wound site.
Can I shower with stitches?
Yes—cover the wound with a waterproof bandage. Pat dry gently after.
