Written by

Kristen Cramer

June 4, 2025

Edited by

Tara Farmer

Fact-checked by

Jennifer Carlson

Average cost to get stitches

The average cost to get stitches at an urgent care center is $175 to $400 without insurance or $50 to $200 with insurance. Getting stitches at an emergency room costs much more, with prices ranging from $500 to $2,500+ for patients with insurance and $1,500 to $5,000+ for those without insurance.

Urgent care stitches cost comparison

Urgent care centers charge $175 to $400 for stitches, depending on the wound location and severity, type of sutures used, and whether the patient requires additional treatments like antibiotics, a tetanus shot, or pain medication. Insurance coverage may reduce this price, depending on your plan, co-pay, and deductible.

The table below shows the cost to get stitches at various urgent care centers around the country.

What affects the cost to get stitches?

The following factors affect the cost of getting stitches:

• Injury location and severity: The wound location and complexity significantly impact the cost. Deep lacerations or wounds in sensitive areas like the face may require more meticulous care, specialized techniques, or plastic surgery consultation, all of which increase costs. Larger wounds or those involving multiple layers of tissue typically cost more to repair as they require more time and materials.

• Type of stitches: Standard nylon or silk stitches are generally the most affordable option, while dissolving stitches cost slightly more but eliminate the need for removal. Medical-grade tissue adhesive can cost more initially but dissolves over time. Metal staples are often used for straight lacerations on the scalp and require a follow-up visit for removal.

• Provider / facility: Emergency rooms are the most expensive option, with facility fees that can exceed $1,000 before any treatment begins. Urgent care centers are a more affordable alternative for non-life-threatening injuries.

• Insurance coverage: Health insurance can reduce the cost to get stitches, depending on your plan and coverage. Staying within your insurance network can dramatically reduce costs. Out-of-network providers may charge several times more than in-network facilities, and your insurance might cover a smaller percentage—or none—of these higher charges.

• Additional costs: The base price for stitches often doesn't include related treatments:

  • Medication: Antibiotics, tetanus shots, or pain medications may be billed separately.

  • Diagnostic tests: X-rays or other imaging to check for foreign objects or bone damage cost extra.

  • Follow-up visits: While providers typically include stitch removal in the initial cost, some providers charge separately for this service.

  • Wound care supplies: Remember to factor in the added cost of over-the-counter supplies like bandages, antiseptic solutions, and other aftercare materials.

How do you know if you need stitches?

Not all cuts or lacerations require professional medical attention. Here are signs that indicate you should seek treatment for stitches:

• The wound is deeper than a quarter inch.

• The cut has jagged edges or gapes open.

• The bleeding doesn't stop after applying direct pressure for 15 minutes.

• The wound is on the face, over a joint, or in another area where scarring would be concerning.

• The injury was caused by a rusty or dirty object, animal bite, or human bite.

• There's debris in the wound that you can't clean out.

• You have diabetes or another condition that affects healing.

• The injury involves a crushed body part or exposed bone, tendon, or muscle.

If you're unsure whether your wound requires stitches, it's best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention. Most wounds requiring stitches should be treated within 6 to 8 hours of injury for optimal healing and minimal scarring.

Should you go to urgent care or the ER for stitches?

Urgent care centers typically have shorter wait times and lower costs compared to emergency rooms, making them an excellent choice for non-life-threatening wounds requiring stitches. However, the emergency room is a better choice in some situations. Follow these general guidelines:

Choose urgent care when:

• The wound is not life-threatening.

• Bleeding is controlled or minimal.

• The injury doesn't involve critical areas like the eyes, mouth, or genitals.

• You're confident there's no damage to underlying structures like tendons or bones.

Go to the emergency room when:

• You have severe, uncontrolled bleeding.

• The wound is very deep or extensive.

• There's suspected damage to nerves, tendons, or major blood vessels.

• The wound contains embedded foreign objects that can't be easily removed.

• The injury resulted from a serious accident, animal attack, or significant trauma.

• The injury involves the face, eyes, or genitals.

• You have symptoms of infection in an older wound.

FAQs about getting stitches

How long do stitches stay in?

In general, stitches stay in for 4 to 14 days, depending on the wound location and severity. Your healthcare provider will recommend the appropriate timing for your specific situation. Removing stitches too early can result in wound reopening, while leaving them in too long may cause scarring.

How long does it take for stitches to dissolve?

Absorbable (dissolvable) stitches break down naturally in the body over time, eliminating the need for removal. The dissolution timeframe varies:

• Fast-absorbing sutures: 7 to 10 days

• Medium-absorbing sutures: 30 to 60 days

• Slow-absorbing sutures: 60 to 180 days

The type of dissolvable stitches used depends on the wound location, depth, and how long support is needed during the healing process. Even with dissolvable stitches, follow-up appointments are still important to monitor healing progress.

Do stitches hurt?

The stitching process itself is typically not painful because the area is numbed with a local anesthetic before suturing begins. The anesthetic injection may cause a brief stinging sensation, and some patients feel a slight pulling or tugging sensation during suturing.

After the anesthetic wears off—usually in 2 to 4 hours—you may experience:

• Mild to moderate pain or soreness around the wound site

• Increased discomfort when moving the affected area

• Throbbing or sensitivity, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours

Pain medication recommended by your healthcare provider can help manage post-procedure discomfort. If pain becomes severe or increases after several days, consult your provider as this could indicate infection.

Can you get stitches wet?

During the first 24 to 48 hours after getting stitches, keep the wound completely dry. After the initial period, follow your provider's specific instructions. Most providers recommend the following guidelines:

• Brief exposure to water may be permitted during quick showers.

• Gently pat the area dry afterward (don't rub).

• Apply new, clean dressings as directed.

• Avoid soaking in bathtubs, pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water until stitches are removed and the wound is completely healed.

Waterproof bandages or plastic wrap secured with medical tape can provide temporary protection during authorized shower time. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions, as recommendations vary based on wound location and type.

Does it hurt to get stitches out?

Stitch removal is typically much less uncomfortable than you might expect. Most patients report feeling a slight tugging sensation rather than pain. Getting stitches out does not require a local anesthetic, and the process is usually quick, often taking just a few minutes.

Occasionally, a stitch may get embedded in the skin during healing, which could cause minor discomfort during removal. Your provider has techniques to minimize this sensation.