title: Review of continuous sutures in dermatologic surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Continuous sutures have been developed to close surgical defects to save time, to distribute tension evenly, or to improve the cosmetic result. The choice of suture technique can significantly affect the speed of closure and the eventual appearance of the scar.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review the different types of continuous sutures, their advantages, and disadvantages.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recommendations are made regarding the appropriate use of continuous sutures in wounds depending on the amount of tension in the wound, and requirement of a good cosmetic result.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Kaiser Medical Center, Hayward, CA 94545.
authors.forename: N L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D003880:Dermatology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects