Can I Go to Urgent Care for Stitches?
When you or a loved one gets a deep cut, the first question that comes to mind is: Do I need stitches? The next question is often: Can I go to urgent care for stitches, or do I need to visit the ER?
At Sincera Urgent Care, we treat a variety of injuries, including cuts that require stitches. If you’re dealing with a wound that won’t stop bleeding or won’t close on its own, urgent care is a fast, affordable option for treatment in many cases. Here’s everything you need to know.
Do I Need Stitches?
Not all cuts require stitches, but for deeper or more severe wounds, or in areas of ideal cosmetic results, they play a crucial role in proper healing and cosmetic results. Certain signs can indicate when stitches are necessary. If you're unsure, an urgent care center can assess the injury and provide the right treatment.
Here are key signs that a wound may need stitches:
Bleeding doesn’t stop or slow down with direct pressure
A tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in the area
The cut is longer than ½ inch
The edges are jagged or uneven
The wound remains open and won’t close on its own
Bleeding continues after 20 minutes of pressure
Limited movement in the affected limb or appendage
Visible bone, tendons, or fatty tissue
Debris or foreign objects remain in the cut
Face, scalp, arm and leg or any other cosmetically important areas
After applying pressure for 10 to 20 minutes, reassess the wound. If it’s still actively bleeding or showing any of these signs, stitches may be the best course of action for proper healing and infection prevention.
When to Go to Urgent Care for Stitches
Urgent care is a great choice for getting stitches if:
The cut is deep but not gushing blood uncontrollably
The edges of the wound won’t stay closed
Bleeding slows down after applying pressure
The cut is on an arm, leg, hand, foot, or other extremity
The cut is on the face, scalp or any other cosmetically important areas
If you meet these criteria, visiting urgent care can save you time and money compared to an ER visit. Our team can assess the wound, clean it thoroughly, and provide stitches if needed—all without the long wait times of an emergency room.
When You Should Go to the ER Instead
While urgent care can handle many wounds requiring stitches, there are cases where you should head to the ER instead. Go to the emergency room if:
The bleeding is pulsatile or won’t stop or slow down after 15-20 minutes of firm pressure
The wound is extremely deep or exposes muscle, bone, or tendons
A major accident or trauma caused the wound
There is severe pain, numbness, or loss of function in the area
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. However, for most moderate cuts and lacerations, urgent care is the quickest and most cost-effective option.
What to Expect When Getting Stitches at Urgent Care
If you visit urgent care for stitches, here’s what will happen:
Wound Cleaning – The doctor will clean the cut to remove debris and reduce infection risk.
Local Anesthesia – If needed, a numbing agent will be applied so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.
Stitches (Sutures) – The wound will be carefully stitched to close the skin and promote healing.
Bandaging & Aftercare – A protective bandage will be applied, and you’ll receive instructions on how to care for your stitches.
Follow-Up – You may need to return in a few days to have the stitches removed, depending on the type used.
How to Care for a Wound Before You Arrive
If you think you need stitches, follow these steps before heading to urgent care:
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
Rinse the wound with clean water (avoid hydrogen peroxide or alcohol).
Keep the wound covered with a sterile bandage.
Elevate the injured area to reduce swelling and bleeding.
Need Stitches? Walk Into Sincera Urgent Care
At Sincera Urgent Care, we provide fast, professional wound care, including stitches for cuts and lacerations. No appointment necessary—just walk in, and our experienced medical team will take care of you.
