This subject is ever interesting, as the scar which remains is a constant reminder to patient and surgeon of an important event in a human life. It is the one thing that remains uppermost in the mind of the patient long after the disease for which the operation was performed is forgotten. In exposed parts, especially neck and face, an unsighty scar is embarrassing.
There are two essential factors in the production of a minimum scar, viz.: asepsis and the proper coaptation of tissues. The former is impossible, the latter is rapidly being perfected. The older method of interrupted sutures which was devised with the thought in mind that if one suture gave way, owing to sloughing, the remainder might hold, has largely been replaced by the continuous. The right-angle subcuticular suture is an excellent one for closing the skin and is the one now in general use.
After experimenting