The assessment of suture spacing on the esthetic and functional outcomes of skin closures in different age groups

Abstract

Background and Aims: Dermatological surgeons must master the factors affecting wound healing. Suturing is the most common method of wound closure. One of the significant factors in suturing that affects wound healing and cosmetic results is the distance between sutures, which has been studied very little to date. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of simple interrupted suture with a distance of 2 and 5 mm on the esthetic and functional results of suture closure in different age groups. Methods: In patients with two skin lesions, one wound was sutured with a distance of 2 mm and the other with a distance of 5 mm, and the wounds were evaluated 1 and 3 months after the operation using the POSAS scale. Results: Patients' opinions indicate that, in the suture intervals of 2- and 5-mm and at 1 and 3 months, the average was lower in the younger group than it was in the older group and also, as per the physician's opinion, the average in the age group under 50 years was significantly lower than that in the age group over 50 years. Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, a suture of 2-mm and a suture of 5-mm would result in different esthetic and functional outcomes depending on the patient's age. The average in the age group less than 50 years was significantly lower than that of the age group greater than 50 years.