The running locked intradermal suture. A cosmetically elegant continuous suture for wounds under light tension.

A new suture technique, the running locked intradermal suture, is introduced. The suture is continuous and buried, and is designed for closing simple elliptical wounds under light tension in which a good cosmetic result is desired. It is used in conjunction with a topical antibiotic and a transparent dressing. This technique reduces the dermal dead space, achieves close approximation of the epidermal wound edges, has a good cosmetic appearance soon after surgery, reduces necessary postoperative wound care, reduces the risk of wound infection in clean surgical wounds, and obviates suture removal. Three examples of its application on the face are presented. It is compared with frequently used standard wound closure methods are discussed.