Which type of suture is commonly used for skin closure after most surgical procedures?

The use of non-absorbable sutures for skin closure after surgical procedures is a standard practice in many surgical disciplines. Non-absorbable sutures are designed to remain in the body indefinitely, providing lasting support for wound edges as they heal. This is especially important for skin closures, as they need to withstand movement and tension, which can occur due to natural body dynamics and external forces.

Non-absorbable sutures, such as nylon or polypropylene, lend themselves well to primary skin closure because they can resist the physiological processes that occur post-surgery. They do not break down in the body the way absorbable sutures do, providing consistent tension and minimizing the risk of wound dehiscence during the critical healing phases.

In contrast, absorbable sutures are typically used for internal closures where the suture material will be gradually degraded by the body's enzymes over time. Barbed sutures, while also a type of non-absorbable suture, are specialized and not used universally for all skin closures. Surgicel is not a suture but a hemostatic agent, utilized to control bleeding rather than to close wounds.

Overall, non-absorbable sutures are preferred for skin closure due to their effectiveness