why absorbable sutures (catgut) are not recommended for skin closure?

Question

medical

Answer 1

For skin closure, you want a good strong approximation of the skin to allow the body to heal. After so many days (depending upon which part of the body you are suturing), you want to remove the sutures. This is done before the wound completely heals so that the holes of the suture material themselves can heal up without scarring.

If you leave sutures in TOO long, you will get "track-marks" where the sutures were - holes along the cut/incision - that will leave a permanent scar.

Absorbable sutures would not absorb FAST enough on the skin to avoid making "track-marks"...and depending upon the material, would take a VERY long time to completely go away (some would take several months).

So, you want a good strong approximate hold with sutures that won't break down for several days. Then, you want to take the sutures out so as to minimize scarring. Non-absorbable sutures are, therefore, used.

At least, that's how I understand it...but I am not a surgeon.