Healing time of a laceration

The duration of healing depends on If disinfection, treatment and a good state of health are good, a laceration usually heals within two to three weeks. In most cases, further treatment at home is sufficient. Only the removal of staples and sutures as well as a final check should be carried out by a general practitioner or resident surgeon.

In places that are under heavy and constant stress, a laceration tends to heal more slowly. Examples of such wounds are on the elbow or knee. The deeper and heavier the wound, the longer the healing process.

In addition, a deeper and larger wound simultaneously increases the risk of infection. In the case of an infected wound, the healing time can be considerably longer, as the inflammation must first be treated before the wound can be completely closed. Extensive cleansing and disinfection are therefore important.

Patients with an infected wound may have difficulty healing. The wound edges are not sufficiently supplied with blood and cannot heal well. Often the wound edges have to be cleaned several times and necroses may have to be removed.

Closing the wound is then often difficult. In these patients, the healing of a laceration can take many weeks.

The localization,
The size and
The depth of the laceration and
The health status of the patient.
Diabetes mellitus,
Vascular diseases or
Other diseases

What are the complications of a laceration?

Depending on its extent, a laceration can have serious consequences. Smaller wounds usually heal quickly. Large wounds can lead to severe blood loss, which can be particularly dangerous for children and the elderly.

Immediate haemostasis is therefore essential. In the case of lacerations to the head, severe head injuries and cerebral hemorrhages can also occur. If the wound is not cleaned properly, an infection can occur. An infected wound causes pain and burning and requires immediate treatment with antibiotics. An untreated, infected wound can lead to fever and ultimately to sepsis.