Suture Marks: Factors of Causation and Prevention

Double tips needle (Lasheen needle) for wound repair

“…Some reports showed that these track marks are due to reepithelialization of suture tracts within few days after surgery [8]. Other reports state that are due to much tension from inadequate tissue movement, regardless of the type of suturing method [9]. In a try to avoid the track marks, must be avoiding the placing of sutures too close to the epidermis, decrease the length of time sutures, and avoiding the surface stitches [10].…”

The Victory Stitch

“…When using the Victory stitch, the two suture ends and intermediate tie-off points pose the greatest potential for forming track-marks, and in our experience, the small dimple marks healed well. 4 The Victory stitch is a valuable technique in areas of significant tension with fear of wound dehiscence at suture removal. In these locations, the Victory stitch may be left in longer than simple running or running mattress sutures without causing significant trackmark scarring.…”

“…Its two major disadvantages are the risk of poor wound edge eversion in inexperienced hands and the potential for suture track-marks with nonabsorbable suture when used in areas of tension for a prolonged period. 4 To improve eversion, two running mattress suture techniques have been described: the horizontal and vertical mattress sutures. Both techniques are effective but are slower to place than simple running sutures and risk potential suture track marks.…”

Sutures, Needles, and Tissue Adhesives

“…6 The ideal scar is a fine, minimally visible line that blends into relaxed skin tension lines and does not adversely affect skin function or form. 28 In an effort to minimize the risk of track marks, dermatologic surgeons can avoid placing buried sutures too close to the epidermis, avoid placing simple interrupted or running sutures, 17 minimize the length of time sutures are in place, serially replace sutures, 29 or use one of the aforementioned finishing-touch closure techniques that do not require surface stitches. Some surgeons believe that these short lines that run perpendicular, horizontal, or oblique to the surgical line are due to reepithelialization of suture tracts between 3 and 8 days after surgery, 27 whereas others believe that they are due to tension from inadequate undermining and free tissue movement, regardless of the suturing technique.…”