First Post Op Operation Right at 3 Weeks?

[stephen1254]

I know I can and will ask my Dr's nurse the question but I'm wondering about the first post op Dr. appt. Is this for removal of stitches or staples? The reason I bring this up is that my Dr. is on the other side of the state, and it is a full day trip to go there and back, I need to go there at 4.5 weeks post op, and I was hoping to schedule the appt then. I'm wondering if I need to get stitches or staples removed before then can that be done locally by my GP?

[jon]

My local GP took my staples out at about 12 days.  Make sure they have the right tool/scissors.

[Dannywayoflife]

As Jon says a gp or nurse can remove them so long as they've got the right tool

[hernanu]

I didn't have either - my doctor used glue. On my left, they used the steri strips to help hold it together, those pretty much dropped off on their own.  On my right, he didn't even use those, just the glue and a silver bandage that I took off at about 10 days, the incision had healed beautifully by then, no strips, nothing. Very convenient.

[Tin Soldier]

I drove to my appointment 5 hours away just for a short visit with the doc, and to have my stitches removed.  I probably could have had my stitches removed closer to home, but I felt somewhat obligated, because I chose the guy and knew that it would entail some post committment for appointments.  I also wanted some face time to ask some (ok, a lot) of questions. 

[mslendzion]

Mine was glued together. I was told not to bandage the incision post release fron the hospital because it heals faster.