Which is better, stitches or dermabond?

Question

I had melanoma removed from left hip to butt which is better for healing time and scarring

Steven Hacker, MD · Answer

in our practice, following mohs skin cancer surgery we use sutures when we repair all surgical defects.

Christopher Spock, MD · Answer

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.

Which is better, stitches or dermabond?

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Which is better, stitches or dermabond?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.