Commonly used suturing techniques in skin surgery.

Abstract

Proper suturing technique is essential for obtaining good cosmetic results and avoiding infection, scarring and poor wound healing. Techniques that must be mastered include good eversion of skin edges, avoiding suture marks, maintaining uniform tensile strength along the skin edges and precise approximation of skin edges. Vertical mattress sutures have the advantage of good wound eversion and closure of dead space. Running continuous sutures can be quickly placed and divide tension equally along the skin edge. Interrupted sutures are more time-consuming but allow more precise wound edge approximation, while subcuticular sutures are useful for avoiding suture marks in conspicuous areas.