No, you should not remove surgical staples at home. It is a difficult and painful process that requires a special tool. Let a doctor with proper training remove the staples. Doctors need to assess if the wound has healed enough to warrant removing the staples. Even if a doctor gave you a specific date or week for removing the staples, that is only an estimate, and they will require examination. Removing the staples early could cause scarring, infections, or even cause the wound to open back up.
If you have the proper training and decide to remove your staples at home, you can use a skin staple remover. A standard staple remover will damage your skin and create new issues. Even with the proper equipment it is still likely that something could go wrong. Unless you have both the proper equipment and training, do not remove surgical staples at home. If you have proper equipment and training, follow the remover’s instructions and keep the area sanitized with an antiseptic.
What are Skin Staples?
Skin staples are similar to office staples, but are used to close wounds after an accident or more commonly a surgery, something the body can’t do on its own. Surgical staples are an alternative to stitching often used for C-sections and scalp injuries. Surgical staples require two doctors, one to hold the wound closed with forceps, and the other to administer the staples.
The staples are made of disposable plastic, titanium, or a dissolvable polymer. The material used is based on the operation and the patient’s allergies. Only trained professionals in a medical environment should apply skin staples. If you think that you might need skin staples or stitches, seek medical attention immediately.
Can you apply skin staples yourself?
No, only a medical professional should apply skin staples. If you think that you might need skin staples or stitches you should seek medical attention immediately.
How do you remove surgical staples at home?
No, you should not remove surgical staples at home. It is a difficult and painful process that requires a special tool. Let a doctor with proper training remove the staples.
Do staples fall out on their own?
The only ones that fall out on their own are the dissolvable polymer based surgical staples. If you have proper equipment and training, follow the remover’s instructions and keep the area sanitized with an antiseptic.
