When you’ve injured yourself and require a suture, it’s important to know what your options are. Depending on the size of the wound, location and severity, your doctor may recommend a wide array of suture options.
At Physicians Medical Urgent Care, Dr. Ines Munoz De Laborde and Dr. Sveltlana Burkhead can provide medical treatment to cure a wound, apply a suture, and heal your injury.
What are sutures?
Sutures, also known as stitches, are sterile surgical threads used to repair cuts. They are also commonly used to close incisions from surgery. Some wounds may require an alternative method like metal staples instead of sutures. It all depends on the wound.
Why are sutures used?
Sutures are used to close deep wounds or cuts. When a deep wound is present, a doctor may need to sew the two edges of the wound together layer by layer. When this happens, sutures are left under the surface of the skin and ultimately close the wound.
Absorbable vs non-absorbable sutures
There are two varieties of sutures: absorbable and non-absorbable.
Absorbable sutures do not require your doctor to remove them. The enzymes found in the tissues of your body will naturally digest them.
Nonabsorbable sutures will need to be removed by your doctor in the days or weeks following your procedure, or may be left in permanently.
Suture material
Sutures are typically made from a variety of materials that are natural or synthetic. Here are a few examples:
- Nylon: Nylon creates a type of natural monofilament suture
- Polypropylene (Prolene): This material creates a monofilament suture.
- Silk: Silk sutures are typically braided and made naturally
- Polyester: This form is synthetic and braided
Types of sutures
There are a few types of sutures that you may encounter should you need one. Examples include:
- Gut suture: This form is a natural monofilament suture used to repair internal soft tissue wounds and is most common in gynecological surgeries.
- Polydioxanone (PDS): This synthetic monofilament suture can be used for soft tissue repairs like abdominal closures.
- Poliglecaprone:This synthetic monofilament suture is used for general use in any soft tissue repair. However, this material should be avoided in cardiovascular procedures. It’s most commonly used to close skin in an almost invisible-like manner.
- Polyglactin: This synthetic braided suture is good for repairing hand or facial lacerations.
Depending on your need, your doctor can make the best assessment on suture type and material.
An injury causes trauma to the impacted area, often requiring a suture. To prevent a more serious disease, book online and visit the doctors at Physicians Medical Urgent Care for convenient and quick care when you need it most.
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