Stitches & Aftercare

Professional wound closure using stitches, along with personalised aftercare guidance to support proper healing

Appointment

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Dressings

After most minor surgical procedures a light dressing is applied to the site. The purpose of this dressing is to absorb any fluid that may discharge from your wound, provide and protect the area as your wound heals and if necessary can apply pressure to the wound.

Most dressings, dependant on where the wound is on your body, can stay in place for up to 7 days. You will be advised on the day by the Doctor how many days your wound needs to be dressed for. If required you will be given additional dressing for you to take home, and the nurse will advise you on how and when to change it.

Before changing or touching your dressing, always wash your hands with soap and water, ensuring that they are completely dried. Carefully take the dressing off, avoiding touching the wound with your fingers directly. In some cases after the 7 days your wound may be left without dressing if it is healing well, however you may want to continue wearing one over the area for protection or to avoid rubbing of garments.

Its advised that you avoid getting the dressing wet and aim to shower (or bathe if you can keep your wound out of the water) about 48 hours after your procedure.

Soaking in water may weaken the scar tissue, and could cause your wound to re-open. Try to gently wash around your wound area without using soap.

Opening Hours

08:00 - 18:00

Monday - Thursday

07:00 - 22:00

Friday

08:00 - 18:00

Saturday

Our Services

Contacts

What Are Stitches and When Are They Needed?

Stitches, also known as sutures, are used to close a wound neatly and securely. At Beacon, we use medical-grade sutures for clean, precise wound closure.

You may need stitches if:

Most procedures are done using local anaesthetic, meaning you’ll be awake but won’t feel pain in the area.

Types of Stitches We Use

We use the most appropriate stitch type based on your wound, location and healing needs:

Dissolvable (absorbable) stitches – these naturally break down over time and don’t need to be removed
Non-dissolvable stitches – these are removed after healing, usually 5–14 days later
Single interrupted stitches – offer secure closure and are easy to remove individually
Continuous stitches – used for long or smooth wounds for an even finish

We’ll always explain which type we’re using and how your wound should be cared for.

Dressing and Wound Protection

Once your stitches are in place, we’ll apply a protective dressing to keep the wound clean and reduce the risk of infection. We use sterile, medical-grade dressings that are:

We’ll also give you:

You’ll leave with a written plan that’s easy to follow at home.

What’s Included in Your Aftercare?

Our service doesn’t stop when you leave the clinic. You’ll receive:

A personalised aftercare plan, including written instructions
Contact details in case you have questions or concerns
Advice on managing pain, swelling or redness
Information about when to return for stitch removal (if needed)
GP letters or discharge notes, shared the same day

If you notice any signs of infection appear, such as redness, heat, swelling or discharge, you can contact us directly for guidance or review.

Why Choose Beacon?

Fast access to wound care, often with same-day appointments
One-stop service; assessment, stitches, dressing and aftercare in a single visit
Clean, safe environment, with CQC-registered clinical facilities
Consultant-led team; trusted experts in minor surgery and wound management
Transparent pricing; you’ll know your treatment cost before booking