When are stitches necessary?

Question

Yesterday, my child fell off a chair at his grandmother's house and busted his lip and chipped 3 of his front teeth. I thought he needed stitches but his doctor said he didn't. But this is the same doctor that has said in the past he was fine but when I turned around and took him to the ER they admitted him. Plus everyone tells me they think he needs stitches.

It is big and deep and I am also worried about it getting infected. I have linked some pictures to tell me what you think.

Look how big the meat is hanging is: http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s351/casmommie/86008015.jpg

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s351/casmommie/86008023.jpg

Other pics:

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s351/casmommie/86008013.jpg

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s351/casmommie/86008021.jpg

Answer 1

That looks bad, I would take him to the ER again and see what they say.

Answer 2

That looks bad I would get another opinion from a doc he might need stitches that could get infected that looks very painfull poor guy. Best of luck

Answer 3

No offense - but those look gross! I would be taking him into Urgent Care or ER to get that looked at. Or you can request a 2nd opinion from another Dr. If that was my baby - I would have taken him straight to ER. I'm sorry your doctor doesn't think it's bad enough. Good Luck and poor baby!!!

Answer 4

My son split open his forehead just above his eyebrow when he was just under 1 year.  I took him to the ER and they didn't give him stitches either.  They told me stitches were mainly for stopping bleeding and to keep bandages on it and it would be fine.  They also told me that stitches would be more traumatic for him and would pprobably cause more of a scar that without.  We opted for no stitches and he has a scar...but not that big.

I would go see another doctor for a second opinion.  Even if you have to pay the office visit fee up front...it might be worth it.  I can't imagine why they would tell you that didn't need stiches...but it also looks pretty swollen and from personal experience (my son also fell and took a chunk out of his lip twice in 10 minutes in the same place), lips heal pretty darn quick and what can look really bad there might not be quite as bad because it swells so much.

Good luck!!

Answer 5

you should take him to the ER now this kid deffinatly needs stitches. And be a smart parent and switch doctors this one is a quack.

Answer 6

yea it looks like he just might need stitches.Take your child to another doctor and ask them for their opinion.

best of luck =o]

Answer 7

He needs stitches. Even if it's done bleeding and doesn't reopen, it won't heal correctly because it's splayed open and isn't being forced back into a normal position. Either take him to get the stitches now, or take him to a plastic surgeon in a year. Shame on your doctor! I'd be looking for a new one ASAP!