Self harm - when are stitches necessary?

[Sanguinius]

Hi,
I have a question:
I'm a excessive selfharmer. My cuts are often gaping 1-1,5 cm (~0,5 inches). So far, I've always gone and got stitches, as they told me at the ward. But is this absolutely necessary? If not, do you know when it is?

 

[gingerplum]

Are you talking about length or depth?

 

[Sanguinius]

Are you talking about length or depth?

Depth.

 

[gingerplum]

No, it's not absolutely necessary. Stitches will probably give you a better cosmetic result, because the wound edges will be more well-approximated and "cleaner" looking. Stitches are also preferable on an area that flexes a lot, like near a joint.

Otherwise you can just use steri-strips or butterfly bandages; they serve essentially the same purpose as stitches, and either option will allow the wound bed to granulate and heal from the inside out.

https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-qu...treatments/how-do-i-apply-butterfly-stitches/

 

[Severen]

No. Stitches just prevent huge scars from forming.