"Gossip Girl" star Chace Crawford reportedly spent his New Year under the care of doctors because of a fall he took which required some stitches to his face. With the "Golden Boy" suffering from a nasty cut to his face, how bad can stitches be?

Crawford, who plays Nate Archiblad in the hit teen drama series, reportedly slipped on ice, fell and hit his face when he was partying at club Liv at the Fontainebleau Hotel, ContactMusic.com reported. The slip left him with cuts and bruises to his face which required several stitches during the New Year holiday.

With teenage girls concerned all around the world about his condition, others fear that what with all the wounds and stitches he suffered, will Nate charm another woman again?

Wounds, cuts, or bruises, that need stitching depends on the extent of the different factors afflicting the damage.

One of the factors being considered by doctors in stitching a wound is its depth - if it has caused damage all the way to the subcutaneous tissue, or the third layer of skin. The width of the wound is also a factor as those that are too open need stitch work to have it closed long enough for it to heal properly. The wound's location also matters, as wounds in areas which move or stretch need needle work more, according to Rod Brouhard of About.com.

Stitching of open wounds are generally done to control the bleeding; to close a wound to promote healing and prevent infections; and probably the most important among celebrities, to reduce scarring.

But before a wound could even be stitched, doctors first need to examine the wound for foreign objects such as dirt and debris that may have entered. After examination, and before the skin is closed, the wound needs cleaning to prevent an infection from occurring.

Now that the stitching has been settled, Crawford's fans might be concerned that it might leave a permanent mark.

In this matter, after some time is given for the stitched wound to close, sutures, or the stitching, may be removed. But even with the removal of the stitching, the scar will become a raised, read healing ridge for approximately three months. After around two months, the mark may flatten and start to lighten. But MedicineNet.com noted that the whole process of complete repair may take six to eight months.

But in order to help any scar from being left behind, LiveStrong.com suggests following up on taking care of the stitched wound.

The first thing that people, like Chace, need to do is to wash the wound gently with mild soap one to three days after the wound has been stitched closed, as cleaning it prevents further scarring. The wound should be then rinsed daily and patted to dry with a clean towel, after which, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and then apply a bandage. But it is important to consult and to follow up with the doctor for anything relating to the wound.

With proper care and follow up, scars that even the stars get can be virtually non-existent.