In this article:
Why Do You Feel Pulling Around Your Stitches?
The tugging sensation often happens because your body starts to repair the tissues. With the wound healing, the skin, muscles, and underlying tissues begin to repair. Stitches hold these parts together, but as new tissues form, contraction and tightening occur.
The tightening helps heal the wound but may cause a pulling sensation, particularly when you stretch or move.
So, what causes the tightness?
- Your skin naturally closes up around the cuts as it heals
- New collagen fibres growing near the stitches can make things feel tight
- Even mild activities such as bending, sitting, or walking stretch the skin around the stitches, causing a tug
- Mild post-surgical tenderness can also make the area feel tighter
Is Pulling a Sign of Recovery or Something Bad?
In most cases, the sensation indicates a good recovery of your wounds. The tightness shows that the skin and tissue are regaining strength.
Now, if the pulling results in intolerable pain, or if the spot gets hot, red, or releases fluid, that could mean it’s infected or something isn’t right.
Usual signs of healing:
- The area might itch a little while healing
- A bit of pulling or tightness
- Foul odour
- You’re shivering or getting a fever quite often
- Green or yellow discharge
- Severe pain or throbbing
- Swelling or redness that aggravates
Could Internal Healing be the Reason for Tightness?
Yes. Mostly, if you had internal or deeper stitches during an abdominal or caesarean surgery, you might feel a pulling even if the skin looks okay. That’s just because the tissues and muscles inside are healing.
The tightness can persist for a few weeks and may feel stronger when you cough, laugh, or move suddenly. But that feeling fades as internal tissues heal.
How Long Does the Tugging Last?
The usual time is between 7 and 21 days, though the rest depends on:
- How deep the stitches are
- The kind of wound or surgery you had
- How your body recovers
- Whether you follow aftercare properly
Even after four weeks, if the strong pulling or discomfort persists or the sensation worsens, it's better to follow up with your physician.
Can Swelling or Fluid Retention Aggravate the Tightness?
Yes, swelling, also known as oedema, can make stretched areas feel firmer or more stretched. The fluid trapped under your skin can make it feel tight and increase the pulling sensation.
To help with swelling:
- Apply a cold compress for a bit
- Wear loose, comfortable fabrics
- Keep the stitched areas elevated, if you can
- Don’t sit or stand still for too long
What Causes the Tightness After Stitches Disappear?
Even after your stitches are gone, it’s normal to still feel tight, which indicates that scar tissue is developing.
When your body starts to recover, it replaces the damaged skin with tougher tissue called scar tissue. This tissue isn't as flexible as normal skin, which makes the area feel stiff or tugged.
Gradually, gentle massage (only after complete recovery and with the doctor's approval) and tight movement can help soften the scar and reduce tightness.
When Should You Worry About Tightness?
- The soreness is increasing instead of improving
- You have a fever or illness
- If the incision opens or bleeds again
- If there’s any foul-smelling discharge or consistent tenderness
- If the wounded area seems firm or bumpy
Social & Emotional Factors
Dealing with stitches in the post-delivery phase can make you feel exhausted both mentally and physically. It’s normal to feel worried about the recovery process when moving around is hard and you’re uncomfortable.
Communicate your feelings to your loved ones. Having someone around to help with childcare or housework can really make getting better a lot easier.
What Are the Next Steps?
- You must not overstrain or carry weighty things
- You must keep the area around the wound clean
- You should start wearing loose-fitting clothes
- You can take painkillers, but only if the doctor says so
- You must ensure that the wound doesn’t become septic
- You should eat nutritious foods to aid in recovery
- You shouldn’t miss your follow-up visits
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FAQs on What Causes the Tugging or Tightness Around the Stitches
- How long will it feel tight after getting stitches?
The initial feeling lasts for about 1 to 3 weeks. But as healing processes, it must go away. Speak to your physician if that doesn’t happen. - Is it okay to use cream or oil to minimise the tugging sensation?
Not immediately. Don’t use creams or oils until your doctor says your wounds are totally healed. Early application can cause infection by trapping moisture. - Is it normal for internal stitches to feel tight during movement?
Yes, gentle tugging is normal while your body heals on the inside. But if the pain gets worse or you get swelling, call your doctor to make sure everything is okay.
