- Correct suture placement is vital to optimise the cosmetic outcome of a wound (Figures 24-17 and 24-18).
- Following an excision both subcutaneous sutures and epidermal sutures are placed.
- Subcutaneous sutures are absorbable such as Vicryl (Polyglactin 910, Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ, USA), which take up to 70 days for complete absorption whereas typical epidermal sutures such as nylon and polypropylene are non-absorbable and are removed between five days and two weeks depending on the site.
- Monofilament sutures cause less inflammation and trapping of serum than the braided variety but are harder to tie securely.
- Suture placement should result in wound eversion so that the resultant scar is less noticeable.
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