Stitches provide the wound with more strength as it heals. In areas with higher tension or lots of mobility, such as the hips/buttocks or arms/shoulders stitches would be preferred. Stitches that are left in for too long however can leave unsightly marks on the skin. One way to avoid this problem is to have subcuticular (just under the skin) stitching which is then covered with a layer of dermabond. This is a technique the gives the strength of sutures with the favorable cosmetic outcome of dermabond. Talk with your surgeon about the possibility of having subcuticular stitching. This can be done when the incision is stitched together in a straight line (linear repair) but cannot be done if a flap or skin graft must be performed to close the defect which results after removing your melanoma.