Patient education: Removing staples (The Basics)

What are staples? — Staples are a way doctors can close certain types of cuts. Staples that go into the body are different from those used on paper. To put staples in, doctors use a special stapler (figure 1). Staples need to be taken out after a certain amount of time.

How are staples removed? — Staples are removed by a doctor or nurse. Usually, staples are taken out 7 to 10 days after they were put in, depending on where they are.

Staples are taken out with a special staple remover. But doctors' offices don't always have this device. The doctor who puts in your staples might give you a staple remover. If so, bring it to your doctor's office when you have your staples taken out.

When it is time for your staples to be removed, the doctor or nurse will check your cut to make sure that it is healing well.

To remove each staple, the doctor or nurse will:

●Insert the end of the staple remover under the staple

●Use the tool to open the staple and pull it up out of the skin

To some people, having staples removed feels like pinching. But it should not be painful.

When all of the staples are out, the doctor or nurse will clean the cut. They might put a bandage, dressing, or small sticky strips over the area to protect it.

How do I care for myself at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●If you have small sticky strips on your cut, leave them on until they fall off, or until your doctor or nurse says to take them off.

●Wash your hands before and after touching your cut.

●Follow your doctor or nurse's instructions about:

•When you should clean the wound and how to change your bandage or dressing, if needed

•Physical activity

●Take care of your scar:

•Protect the area from the sun – Always use sunscreen or wear clothes or a hat that cover the scar.

•Your doctor or nurse might also recommend using a special lotion or cream to help your scar heal.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if:

●You have signs of infection – These include:

•Swelling, redness, or warmth around the cut

•Yellow, green, or bloody discharge from the cut

•Bad smell coming from the cut

•The cut becomes painful

●Your cut opens up again.

More on this topic

Patient education: Stitches and staples (The Basics)
Patient education: Taking care of cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds (The Basics)
Patient education: Skin glue for minor cuts (The Basics)
Patient education: Taking care of bruises (The Basics)
Patient education: Removing stitches (The Basics)