Modification of Horizontal Mattress Suture

ABSTRACT

Proper suturing technique is essential for obtaining good cosmetic results and for preventing scarring and poor healing of the wound. Characteristics of an ideal wound closure technique include providing maximal wound eversion; maintaining tensile strength throughout the healing process; being technically simple and fast for the surgeon to perform; and allowing for precise wound edge approximation without leaving suture marks. There are a large variety of suturing methods available to the plastic surgeon and more than one of these techniques may be appropriate for any single wound closure. The simple interrupted suture is the simplest and most frequently employed type of suture. The vertical mattress suture is used principally to ensure eversion of skin edges, but is rarely indicated on the face. A common technique for wound closure is to alternate a vertical mattress suture with a simple interrupted suture along the length of the wound. This report outlines a new method for closing skin wounds which combines the horizontal and vertical mattress sutures. This horizonto- vertical mattress suture is easy and quick to perform, achieves precise wound approximation, provides good eversion of skin edges maintaining uniform tensile strength, reduces the risk of suture marks and gives good cosmetic results, and it can be widely applicable to the whole body area wound, including the face.