A Prospective Comparison of Suture Removal Time for Simple Surgical Defects of the Head and Neck

A single-center, prospective, randomized comparison with blinded assessment of cosmetic outcome. To compare cosmetic outcome of surgical defects of head and neck, repaired with non-resorbable monofilament sutures from the aspect of suture removal time 7 and 14 days. Data are gathered through a standardized form at the time of surgery concerning width and length of the surgical excisions, and if the patient has any systemic cortisone treatment or diabetes mellitus. At the time of surgery the patients are randomised to a suture time at 7 or 14 days postoperatively and all receive the same written information about postoperative care and restrictions. Photographs of the scars are taken one month and one year after the procedure and rated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) by three independent assessors blinded to the intervention and suture time. The width of the scar is measured after one ear. Study hypothesis is that leaving non-resorbable monofilament sutures in clean surgical wounds in the head and neck area for up to 14 days does not lead to poor cosmetic outcome.