During a chance family gathering, a relative accidentally cut his finger and bled profusely. The elders of the family were in a hurry, treated the wound with a family first aid kit, and suggested going to the hospital for stitches, emphasizing that the doctor must be required to use "absorbable threads" to avoid scars, as if this is the legendary "cosmetic suture". This advice seems reasonable, after all, who doesn't want a wound to heal with as few marks as possible? But is it really that simple?
When faced with trauma sutures, many people may have the question: which suture to choose to minimize the formation of scarring? This may seem like a simple choice, but behind it lies complex scientific and technical considerations. In this part, we will delve into the difference between absorbable and non-absorbable threads, their application scenarios and their impact on the wound healing process.
Absorbable threads: an option for natural degradation in the body
Absorbable threads are a class of suture materials that can be naturally decomposed and absorbed by enzymatic hydrolysis or hydrolysis processes in the body. They are mainly composed of natural or synthetic polypeptide chains and are designed to support wounds in the initial healing phase, then gradually lose their strength, and after a certain period of time, they are completely absorbed by the body and disappear. The absorption time of this type of wire varies from one week to several months depending on the type of material and the specific needs of the wound.
Synthetic and natural: two categories of absorbable threads
Synthetic absorbable threads:It is made of synthetic materials such as polyester, polylactic acid, and polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer, and is characterized by controllable absorption time and small tissue reaction.
Natural Absorbable Thread:For example, sheep gut, which is made from the mucosal layer of the animal's small intestine, may cause a strong tissue response although natural.
Non-absorbent lines: a sturdy option for long-term support
Non-absorbent threads, as the name suggests, are not absorbed by the body, they provide long-term or even permanent support. These sutures include silk threads, nylon, polypropylene, and other materials, and are often used in situations that require long-term tissue support, such as heart surgery, bone joints, etc.
Wound load:Wounds that are subjected to greater force, such as near the joint, may be more suitable for non-absorbent threads.
Healing speed:Superficial wounds that heal quickly, absorbable threads are sufficient to provide adequate support.
Balance of pros and cons: the art of the doctor
Suture selection is not just based on the nature of the thread, it is an art that requires a comprehensive judgment based on the location and size of the wound, the expected rate of healing, and the individual differences of the patient. For example, while absorbable threads may reduce scar formation in some cases, improper use can likewise lead to poor wound healing and even more visible scarring.
Scar minimization: beyond the choice of wire
Ultimately, reducing scar formation does not depend solely on the choice of sutures. Accurate assessment of the wound, appropriate suturing techniques, good postoperative care, and the physiological response of the individual are all key factors that influence the final healing outcome. So, when we discuss the choice of sutures, we are actually considering a complex set of factors in order to achieve the best possible result.
In the medical field, the suture technique is a combination of art and science. Especially in trauma management, there is a common misconception that the use of absorbable sutures is equivalent to cosmetic sutures, so that there is no scarring. This section aims to reveal the truth about cosmetic sutures and the conditions for the correct use of absorbable threads, providing readers with in-depth understanding and practical advice.
Demystifying the beauty of the stitches
Cosmetic suture is not a simple concept, it involves not only the type of suture, but more importantly, the suture technique, the nature of the wound and aftercare. The goal of cosmetic suturing is to minimize the scar after the wound has healed, so that it blends in as much as possible with the surrounding **.
The type and choice of wound
Not all wounds are suitable for absorbable threads. For small superficial wounds or aesthetically demanding areas such as the face, your doctor may consider using small, absorbable sutures for cosmetic closure. However, deep wounds or areas of high tension may require non-absorbent threads or a combination of suture techniques to ensure initial wound stability and long-term aesthetics.
Refinement of technology
The success of cosmetic sutures depends not only on the materials used, but also on the doctor's suturing skills. This includes the exact needle length, the choice of needle entry and needle exit points, and the tension control of the thread, all of which are key factors in determining the final scarring.
Conditions for the correct use of absorbable threads
When selecting an absorbable thread, the doctor will make a comprehensive judgment based on the characteristics of the wound, the patient's health and healing ability.
Wound assessment
First, an in-depth assessment of the wound is crucial. This includes the size, depth, location of the wound, and the presence or absence of contamination. For example, small, clean, tension-free wounds are ideal for absorbable threads because they heal quickly and have a lower risk of scarring.
The patient's health status
Factors such as the patient's age, nutritional status, and chronic medical history (e.g., abnormal glucose metabolism or increased systemic arterial blood pressure) can affect the healing process of the wound. Patients who are in good health usually have a better ability to heal wounds and have a better aesthetic effect after using absorbable threads.
The importance of aftercare
Even with absorbable sutures, scarring can occur without proper wound care. Wound care includes keeping the wound dry and clean, avoiding premature removal of sutures, and using antibiotics as prescribed.