From the Research
Sutures from a 4 mm punch biopsy on the leg should typically be removed after 10-14 days. This longer time frame (compared to facial sutures) is recommended because the leg experiences more tension and movement during daily activities, which can stress the wound and slow healing. The lower extremities also have less blood supply than the face, resulting in slower healing rates. A 4-0 suture is an appropriate size for this procedure, providing adequate strength while minimizing scarring.
Key Considerations
- The type of suture material used can affect the quality of the scar, with non-absorbable sutures showing better results in terms of elasticity, doctor's general impression, pain, itching, color, stiffness, thickness, irregularity, and patient's general impression 1.
- However, the use of absorbable sutures can lead to a reduced risk of wound dehiscence compared to non-absorbable sutures 2.
- It is essential to keep the wound clean and dry until suture removal and apply petroleum jelly to prevent scab formation.
- Patients should be advised to protect the wound from excessive stretching for several more weeks to prevent widening of the scar.
- If signs of infection develop (increasing redness, warmth, pain, or drainage), medical attention should be sought promptly.
Suture Removal
- The recommended time frame for suture removal is based on the location of the wound, with leg wounds requiring a longer time frame due to increased tension and movement.
- The study by 3 compared absorbable versus non-absorbable sutures for elective hand surgery wound closures, but its findings may not be directly applicable to leg wounds.
- The most recent and highest quality study 1 suggests that non-absorbable sutures may be preferred for their better scar quality and patient satisfaction, but this should be balanced against the potential benefits of absorbable sutures in reducing wound dehiscence 2.