A large wound should always be examined by a doctor, but for a small wound you may have to decide for yourself whether it requires stitches or not. Sutures are usually placed when the edges of the wound do not meet together and the length of the wound is more than 1-2 cm. Sutures speed up the healing process, reduce the likelihood of infection and prevent the formation of rough scars. Sutures should be placed by a doctor as soon as possible after the injury occurs.