Effect of Replacing Buried Sutures With Tissue Adhesive on Aesthetic Outcome of Surgical Wounds.

Effect of Replacing Buried Sutures With Tissue Adhesive on Aesthetic Outcome of Surgical Wounds.

Surgery wounds are typically closed with combination of absorbable stitches placed under the skin and non-absorbable stitched placed at the skin surface. Absorbable sutures can produce unwanted side effects when the body produces a reaction to them. The investigators are conducting a study to determine if absorbable stitches can be replaced but tissue glue applied on the surface of the skin. If participants enroll in the study, the investigators will close one half of the participants wound with absorbable stitches placed under the skin and non-absorbable stitches on the surface. The other half of the wound will be closed with non-absorbable stitches and tissue glue. The appearance of the scar (if any) will then be evaluated at 3- and 6-month follow-ups by two dermatologists (either board-certified dermatologists or dermatology residents) and the patient.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years or older
• Postoperative defects of at least 3 cm, resulting from either Mohs micrographic surgery or surgical excision
• Willing to give informed consent and return for follow-up visits 3 months and 6 months following surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant
• Unable to understand English
• Mentally impaired
• Incarcerated
• Has nonlinear closures