Hello, I just got 45 stitches in my left plam area. I had about 1/4 inch of skin nearly come off but the great doctor saved my skin. (Thanks to her again ) any ways back to my question ...... How long till I can safely go back to work as a machinist in a metal shop? It has been about 14 days so far... I get the stitches out this Monday. My only concern is re opening the cut again.... I work with sheet metal and all types if items that can slice you up real easy with one wrong move.... Thank you so mugh for your time and help with this matter ... Have a great weekend