LACERATION CARE · PETOSKEY, MI

Cut yourself? Walk in now.

Stitches, staples, skin glue, wound cleaning, and tetanus boosters — all done during your visit. The sooner we close it, the better it heals. Most cuts repair best when seen within 6 to 8 hours.

Severe bleeding that won't stop with pressure? Pumping or spurting blood, exposed bone, or loss of finger function — call 911 immediately or go to the nearest ER.

WHAT WE TREAT

The cuts and wounds we handle every day.

If you're not sure whether your cut needs stitches, just walk in. We'll evaluate it and tell you straight.

i.

Kitchen & Knife Cuts

Slipped while cutting an onion or slicing bread? We see this several times a week. Quick to clean, quick to close, and you'll be back in the kitchen in no time.

ii.

Work & Tool Injuries

Hand tools, power tools, glass, sheet metal — most worksite cuts can be handled here. We coordinate with workers' comp documentation when needed.

iii.

Kids' Falls & Scrapes

Bike crashes, playground falls, sports injuries. We're calm with kids, work efficiently, and use skin glue when we can to skip stitches and avoid the needle altogether.

iv.

Deeper Lacerations

Cuts that won't stop bleeding with pressure, gape open, or appear deeper than a quarter inch usually need closure. We handle most lacerations on arms, legs, hands, and scalp.

v.

Puncture Wounds

Stepped on a nail? Bit by an animal? Punctures need cleaning, evaluation for foreign bodies, and often a tetanus booster. We handle all three during the same visit.

vi.

Infected Wounds

Existing cut that's now red, swollen, warm, or oozing? We evaluate the infection, clean it out, prescribe antibiotics, and arrange follow-up to make sure it's healing right.

When to skip urgent care and go to the ER: Severe bleeding that won't slow with pressure, exposed bone or tendon, deep facial wounds requiring plastic surgery, suspected nerve or artery damage, or any loss of finger or limb function.

HOW IT WORKS

Most laceration visits take under an hour.

Walk in, get evaluated, get cleaned and closed, and head home with care instructions.

i.

Walk in & check in

Stop by 624 Charlevoix Avenue. Tell our front desk you have a cut that needs to be looked at — we'll get you back as quickly as possible. Bring a clean cloth or paper towel pressed against the wound.

Typical Time

5–10 minutes

ii.

Evaluate & numb

A provider examines the wound, checks for foreign bodies, and decides on the best closure method — stitches, staples, or skin glue. We numb the area first so the actual closure isn't painful.

Typical Time

10–15 minutes

iii.

Close, dress & go home

We close the wound, apply a clean dressing, and give you written care instructions. If you need a tetanus booster, we administer it during the visit. Stitches typically come out in 7–14 days depending on location.

Typical Time

15–25 minutes

While you're on your way in

  • Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth
  • Elevate the wound above your heart if you can
  • Don't pour hydrogen peroxide on it — it can damage tissue
  • Don't apply ice directly to the wound
  • Bring your insurance card and ID
  • Have someone drive you if you feel lightheaded
WHY IT MATTERS

Stitches here vs. stitches at the ER.

Same wound. Same closure. Very different cost, very different wait, very different experience.

AT BAY URGENT CARE

Walk in. Numb. Close. Go home.

Typical Wait

Most patients seen in under 30 minutes

Typical Cost

A fraction of an ER visit

Closure Performed By

Your provider, the same visit

Follow-Up

Stitch removal here when ready

AT THE EMERGENCY ROOM

Triage. Wait. Wait again.

Typical Wait

Often 2–4 hours for non-critical care

Typical Cost

10x the cost of urgent care

Closure Performed By

A provider you may not see again

Follow-Up

Often a separate office for stitch removal

DON'T WAIT

The sooner you walk in, the better it heals.

Apply pressure with a clean cloth, grab your insurance card, and head over. We'll evaluate, clean, close, and have you on your way home — usually in under an hour.

Open 7 days a week · Mon–Fri 8 AM – 6 PM · Sat–Sun 9 AM – 3 PM · 624 Charlevoix Ave., Petoskey