INTRODUCTION
Superficial repair after excisions helps to optimize cosmetic outcomes. While playing a minor role in providing structural integrity, superficial closures primarily serve to improve wound edge approximations. In most dermatologic surgeries, this repair involves a non-absorbable suture in a simple interrupted or running pattern that captures the entire thickness of epidermis with each stitch.1 However, this repair method requires puncturing the superficial epidermis adjacent to the wound edge, and the wound overgrowth around the points where the suture traverses through the epidermis can appear unsightly and/or trigger false fear of infection to patients.2 Furthermore, long-term postsurgical healing frequently leaves behind scars with ‘railroad track’ suture marks rather than a fine line. In an effort to minimize these suture track marks, superficial sutures are typically removed after 2 weeks on the trunk, before the scar is mature. This can lead to undesirable scar spreading and diminished cosmesis over time. Depending on a patient’s skin type and healing characteristics, these suboptimal surgical scars can become a common source of patient complaint.Here, we present the buried intradermal (also referred to as subcutaneous) running suture technique as a superficial repair method with superior cosmetic outcome compared to the simple interrupted or running suture techniques using polypropylene (Prolene) or poliglecaprone (Monocryl) suture, which we prefer for their low friction coefficient and low tissue reactivity. When using polypropylene, we insert the needle into the epidermis approximately 1 cm away from one longitudinal end of the incision and exit at the superficial dermis at the apex of the wound. We then run the suture intradermally throughout the incision similar to that of a subcuticular suture, though we backtrack approximately 50% of the suture spacing with each stitch without locking to provide overlap. At the tail end of the incision, the suture exits the epidermis in a pattern that mirrors the opposite end. Finally, knots are tied at both free ends onto the respective suture itself to prevent loosening. When using poliglecaprone, we anchor the suture at one end of the wound with a deep buried knot, run the suture intradermally, anchor the suture at the opposing apex, and bury the knot by inserting the needle through the dermis of the apex and exiting at the epidermis approximately 1 cm away.In areas of tension, we use polydioxanone (PDS) instead of polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) or poliglecaprone suture for the placement of our deep dermal sutures as the former offers greater retention.3 We often leave the polypropylene suture for up to 2 months after the surgery to allow for the complete reepithelization and scar maturity. Since polypropylene has low reactivity and coefficient of friction, the suture can be easily removed. We have not experienced any significant wound dehiscence with our technique.
