Many of the absorptive suture products on the market rely on an absorbable synthetic fiber. The specific material plays a key role on a when the suture can be used. Strength retention is largely dependent upon the type of material and is a key factor in deciding when to use absorptive suture or traditional suture. Along with the initial strength of the material it is important to consider in vivo strength retention as well. Some absorptive material only offers 50% in vivo strength retention after one week while others offer 75% after one week and 60% after six weeks.

There are a variety of characteristics individual absorptive suture materials have. For example,Guest Posting monofilament sutures emphasize the advantages of a smooth surface which leads to less tissue trauma however these materials can be more difficult to handle and tie knots with. On the other hand, multi filament sutures offer excellent handling and strength but can lead to more surgical sutures   significant tissue trauma. The biological suture provides numerous benefits but can lead to tissue reactions if there is an allergic reaction. Generally, an absorbable suture breaks down the body by hydrolysis which means there is no foreign body left. Unfortunately, if this happens too quickly the wound may not receive the support it needs and reopen.

Traditionally, absorbable sutures are most often used in the dermal layer where they can’t be accessed again. This allows them to maintain tensile strength initially but hydrolyze over time as the scar tissue matures. Over the past five years, it is become more common for absorptive sutures to be used for closures of superficial skin layers as well. This is particularly true in pediatrics where the fear of suture removal can be just as dramatic as the idea of having sutures placed. As an added benefit, several replicated studies note that within the realm of pediatrics and absorptive suture can be an acceptable alternative in terms of overall efficacy and cosmetic outcomes.