Absorbable Versus Nonabsorbable Sutures to Prevent Postoperative Stretching of Wound Area

The study compared the effects of absorbable (Dexon) versus nonabsorbable (Prolene) sutures on postoperative wound stretching in 21 patients undergoing scalp surgery for androgenetic alopecia. Results showed that the Dexon group experienced 48 to 59 percent more postoperative stretching of the wound area 2 months after surgery, and the scar width was 60 to 76 percent larger 3 months postoperatively compared to the Prolene group. These differences were statistically significant, indicating that nonabsorbable sutures like Prolene were more effective in preventing wound stretching and scar widening. The findings highlighted the importance of selecting appropriate suture materials to minimize complications in surgeries prone to wide scars or wound failure.