title: Continuous versus interrupted sutures for facial surgery repair: a randomized prospective study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The cosmetic appearance of a facial scar is a concern for patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Although suturing technique may influence scar cosmesis, few studies have been published comparing suturing methods for MMS repair.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the cosmetic appearance of facial MMS scars sutured with either continuous or interrupted percutaneous nylon sutures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with facial MMS defects were randomized to have half their scar sutured with interrupted 5-0 nylon stitches, whereas the other half of the scar was closed with running 5-0 nylon stitches. The appearance of each half of the scar was assessed at 1 week, 8 weeks, and 6 months by the principal investigator. Blinded photographic evaluation at 1 week and 6 months was completed by a plastic surgeon and general dermatologist.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 105 patients were entered into the trial, and 101 completed all time point assessments. There was no statistically significant difference in scar outcome using each of the 3 scar assessment scales, at any time point, for any assessor (blinded and nonblinded).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interrupted and continuous 5-0 nylon sutures result in an equivalent final cosmetic appearance of facial MMS scars. Given its advantages, running sutures may be the preferred closure technique for facial repair.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; †Division of Plastic Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; ‡Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Marie-Michele
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Blouin
authors.forename: Mohammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al Jasser
authors.forename: Arko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Demanczuk
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Berkowitz
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zloty
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002610:Cheek; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005546:Forehead; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015580:Mohs Surgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D009666:Nose; D010781:Photography; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013536:Suture Techniques