Why can't you get stitches 12 hours after an injury?

Question:

A year or two ago a friend and I were swimming at a beach and I weird guy was checking us out, I kinda glared at him and he went back to the shore and threw a rock at my head when I wasn't looking. I didn't think it was bad enough to go to the docotor and when I did they said it was too late. It seems that it still opens up sometimes.

Answers:
it introduces a source of infection, doesn't have much to do with a clot.

Other Answers:
Within 12 hours, the platets in your blood will start to clot the laceration. IF you do not seek medical treatment within that time, it is to late to intervene because the body has already started to fix the wound. On the plus side, you could charge people money to see you split your scalp.

because it has already begun healing.. the scar would always be very tender Because anytime a wound isn't stitched immediately you've left it vulnerable to germs. If you had gone right away the area could have been cleaned out & stitched closed. When the doctor is not sure what has been allowed to enter the wound bed he won't stitch it as it would probably abscess and cause more complications. Germs love a dark, moist place to grow, which would happen if they were stitched in.

Isn't that so annoying. I have the worst scar on my leg because I refused to go to the hospital because I am so stubborn and eventually the cut healed but didn't close up properly. But by the time I smartened up and wanted to get it sewn up, it was too late. Now I am considering cosmetic surgery because it bugs me so much. Not like I could actually afford it or anything.

Eddie answered this one correctly. It isnt' about the clumping together of platelets or coagulation. The danger is giving it ia chance for infection to set it. Four hours on a clean incision is the maximum amount of time you can go and still get it sutured closed.

If stitches are warranted they need to be done before 8 to 12 hours after the incident. This is because of infection risk. A fresh wound bleeds getting rid of bacteria, as the wound stops bleeding bacteria clings to the area. If you sew those bacteria into the wound then you can get a really nasty infection that can cause multiple problems including rarely, death.. Also, many wounds that are caused in fresh water, ie streams lakes, etc do not get sewed up due to the greater infection risk fro mthe water. If your sut is not healing well go back to the dr and discuss options.. There are other things they can do and it may be infected if it won't heal.

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Why can't you get stitches 12 hours after an injury?

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