Quantification of Erythema Associated With Varying Suture Materials in Facial Surgery Repair: A Randomized Prospective Study

Abstract

BACKGROUNDA common concern among patients following Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is scar appearance and residual erythema. However, few studies have quantitatively compared scar erythema between different suture materials.OBJECTIVETo quantify erythema intensity (EI) associated with use of percutaneous nylon, irradiated polyglactin-910 (IPG) and fast-absorbing gut (FG) sutures on facial sites.METHODSAfter undergoing MMS, 210 patients were randomized to one of 2 groups. Patients in the first group (n = 105) had their defects repaired half with continuous IPG sutures and the other half with nylon sutures; the second group (n = 105) received IPG and FG sutures. Standardized photographs of scars were taken at 1 week, 2 months, and 6 months postoperatively and computer-assisted image analysis was used to quantify EI.RESULTSThe average EI was comparable between all 3 suture materials at 1 week, 2 months, and 6 months. From 1 week to 2 months, EI in nylon, IPG, and FG sutures decreased by 24.8%, 12.8%, and 17.9% (p < .05), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in EI among suture types between 2 and 6 months.CONCLUSIONErythema decreased significantly during early scar maturation in all groups and was comparable between all suture materials at 1 week, 2 months, and 6 months.

Repair of a Defect Involving the Nasal Tip, Dorsum, Ala, and Sidewall

“…Use what the patient has.5 -0 gut (Ethicon) for top skin closure provides good cosmesis (minimal erythema and no track marks) for facial reconstructions in most situations. 3 …”