A cut needs the ER if—
- —Won't stop bleeding after 10 minutes of direct pressure
- —Is deep, gaping, or has visible fat or muscle
- —Was caused by a rusty or dirty object
- —Is on the face, near a joint, or over a tendon
- —Shows numbness or you can't move the area normally
- —Is from an animal or human bite
Bleeding won't stop?
Apply firm pressure and come in right away.
Wound care we offer.
Thorough wound cleaning
Removing debris and reducing infection risk before closure.
Local anesthesia
Numbing the area so closure is as painless as possible.
Stitches, staples or adhesive
The right closure method for the wound's size and location.
Tetanus prophylaxis
Updated if needed, based on your vaccination history.
Healing & scar care.
We give clear wound care instructions before you leave — how to keep the area clean, when to change dressings, and signs of infection to watch for. For wounds in visible areas, we take extra care with closure technique to help minimize scarring, and can advise on follow-up if stitch or staple removal is needed.
Why ER Of Fort Worth for wound care.
Board-certified ER physicians
Skilled wound closure for cuts of all sizes and locations.
Average wait under 10 minutes
Get cleaned, closed and on your way fast.
On-site imaging if needed
X-ray to check for foreign objects or underlying injury.
All major insurance accepted
Plus transparent self-pay options.
Frequently asked questions.
How do I know if a cut needs stitches?
If the wound is deep, gaping, won't stop bleeding, or is longer than about half an inch, it likely needs stitches or another form of closure. When in doubt, have it evaluated.
Is there a time limit for getting stitches?
Yes — wounds are generally best closed within 6–8 hours of the injury to reduce infection risk. Come in as soon as possible after a significant cut.
Will I need a tetanus shot?
It depends on your vaccination history and the nature of the wound. We'll review your history and update your tetanus protection if needed.
How can I minimize scarring?
Proper wound cleaning, careful closure technique, and following aftercare instructions (keeping the area clean and protected) all help minimize scarring. We'll walk you through care instructions before you leave.
Can urgent care handle a deep laceration?
Many urgent care clinics can handle minor cuts, but deep, gaping, or complex wounds — especially those needing imaging to rule out foreign objects or deeper injury — are better handled at the ER.
Care across North Texas.
We serve patients from Fort Worth and surrounding communities including:
Related care worth knowing about.
Lacerations sometimes come with other injuries — we also treat falls & trauma and abscesses around the clock. Want to know who's on shift? meet our board-certified ER physicians, and you can save time with online check-in.