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This article was medically reviewed by Brian Maloney, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Dr. Maloney is a double board certified Plastic Surgeon in Georgia and founder of The Maloney Center for Facial Plastic Surgery based in Atlanta. He completed his residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery at SUNY Health Sciences Center in 1991. He was a 2016 MyFaceMyBody USA finalist for Plastic Surgery and named a 2014, 2015, and 2016 Top Health, Beauty & Fitness Expert by The Atlantan Magazine.
There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Surgical staples are used to close surgical incisions or wounds that have fairly straight edges. The amount of time staples are kept in varies with the wound and healing rate of the patient. Staples are usually removed at a doctor's office or hospital. This article will give you an overview of how doctors remove surgical staples.[1]
Steps
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![Step 1 Cleanse the wound.]()
Cleanse the wound. Depending on the condition of the healed incision, use sterile saline solution, an antiseptic such as alcohol, or sterile swabs to remove any debris or dried fluids from the wound.[2] -
![Step 2 Slide the lower...]()
Slide the lower part of a staple remover under the middle of the staple. Begin at one end of the healed incision.[3]- This is a specialized tool doctors use to take out surgical staples.
- The lower part of the stapler usually has 2 teeth and is flatter than the upper part, which moves.
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![Step 3 Squeeze the handles of the staple remover until they are completely closed.]()
Squeeze the handles of the staple remover until they are completely closed. The upper part of the staple remover will push down the middle of the staple, causing the staple ends to pull out of the incision.[4] -
![Step 4 Take out the staple by releasing the pressure on the handles.]()
Take out the staple by releasing the pressure on the handles. When the staples are removed, drop them into a disposable container or bag.[5]- Pull out the medical staple in the same direction it went in to avoid tearing your skin.
- You might feel a slight pinch, sting, or tugging sensation. This is normal.[6]
Gain confidence to care for yourself. "As a single dad, I was so anxious about my son's staples with no insurance. But the clear visual steps in this article helped me understand the process to remove them myself. Now, I feel capable of handling small medical stuff that comes up. It's empowering to take care of my boy's needs rather than avoid treatment due to money." - Dawn M. 
Enable at-home care when unable to travel. "Recovering from major back surgery left me housebound and unable to drive to appointments. With my home health nurse's assistance and this article breaking down the staple removal process, I safely took out my own staples. Being able to heal at home rather than attempt an agonizing car ride was such a relief." - Anita F. 
Use proper technique to prevent scarring. "I was nervous about messing up and ripping my skin when taking out my staples. But thanks to the detailed instructions and illustrations here, I carefully pinched each staple middle and pulled it straight out. Now, I'm healing beautifully with minimal scarring." - Billy M. 
Trust your doctor for the best recovery. "This article reinforced that I should fully trust my doctor for the best possible wound healing. As tempting as tackling staple removal myself was to save money, compromising care right now could seriously affect this long recovery. I'll lean on my care team rather than risk it." - Latricia R. 
Have a story our readers should hear? Share it with 1 billion+ annual wikiHow users. Tell us your story here. -
![Step 5 Use the staple remover to remove all the other staples.]()
Use the staple remover to remove all the other staples.[7]- When the end of the incision is reached, inspect the area again to check for any staples that may have been missed. This will help to prevent future skin irritation and infection.
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![Step 6 Cleanse the wound with antiseptic again.]()
Cleanse the wound with antiseptic again.[8] -
![Step 7 Apply a dry dressing or bandage if needed.]()
Apply a dry dressing or bandage if needed. The type of covering applied depends on how well the wound has healed.[9]- Use a butterfly bandage or Steri-Strip if there is still skin separation. This will provide support and help to prevent the formation of a larger scar.
- Use a light gauze dressing to prevent irritation. This will act as a buffer between the affected area and your clothing.
- Expose the healing incision to the air, if possible. Make sure not to cover the affected area with clothing, to avoid irritation.
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![Step 8 Watch for signs of infection.]()
Watch for signs of infection. The redness around the closed incision should fade over a few weeks. Follow your doctor's advice on wound care, and be aware of the following signs of infection:[10]- Redness and irritation around the affected area.
- Affected area is hot to the touch.
- Increased pain.
- Yellow or green discharge.
- Fever.
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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Follow your doctor's instructions on caring for your wound and scheduling return visits.[11]Thanks
Warnings
- Go to a licensed medical professional to get your staples removed. Do not try to remove staples by yourself. Attempting to do so can cause further injury or infection.[12]Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Antiseptic
- Staple removal tool
- Surgical gloves
- Adhesive strips
- Antibiotic ointment and sterile bandage
References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15709-incision-care
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000040.htm
- ↑ https://medscope.umaryland.edu/apps/Interactive%20Dissector/Clinical_Procedures/ClinicalProcedure_Stapling.html
- ↑ https://medscope.umaryland.edu/apps/Interactive%20Dissector/Clinical_Procedures/ClinicalProcedure_Stapling.html
- ↑ https://clpweb.utmb.edu/StudyMaterial/1591.pdf
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abq6115
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abq6115
- ↑ https://clpweb.utmb.edu/StudyMaterial/1591.pdf
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000315.htm
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
To remove surgical staples, start by cleaning the area with saline, alcohol, or sterile swabs to remove any debris and dried fluids. Then, starting at one end of the healed incision, slide the lower part of a medical staple remover under the middle of the staple. Next, squeeze the handles of the staple opener, and then release them to lift out the staple. Finally, repeat the process with the rest of the staples, and clean the area with an antiseptic again. For more advice from our Medical co-author, like how to monitor for signs of infection after removing surgical staples, scroll down!
Reader Success Stories
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"As a single dad, I was so anxious about my son's staples with no insurance. But the clear visual steps in this article helped me understand the process to remove them myself. Now, I feel capable of handling small medical stuff that comes up. It's empowering to take care of my boy's needs rather than avoid treatment due to money."..." more
