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Stitches & Laceration Repair

Cuts that gape open, keep bleeding through pressure, or sit over joints often need professional closure. Urgent care handles the large majority of simple lacerations with stitches, staples, or medical skin adhesive.

When a cut needs closure

Rules of thumb: edges that pull apart, depth past the top skin layer, bleeding that soaks through direct pressure after 10–15 minutes, or any cut across a joint line. Closure works best within roughly 6–12 hours of injury, so same-day care matters — one reason this is a core urgent care service rather than a wait-for-your-doctor problem.

What belongs in the ER instead

Deep wounds with visible fat, muscle, or bone; heavy arterial bleeding; amputations; wounds from serious crush injuries; and most animal or human bites to the face or hands warrant emergency care. Tetanus boosters are typically available at urgent care when your vaccination history calls for one.

Go to the ER instead if you have:

What it costs

Laceration repair usually lands in the procedure tier — roughly $250–$400+ self-pay in Illinois depending on complexity. See the full Illinois cost guide.

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Sources

General health-services information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.