Impact of Suture Type on Pigment Disturbances in Patients of Skin of Color

Description

The present study assesses if dissolvable (fast gut) or non-dissolvable (polypropylene) epidermal sutures produce better cosmetic results in terms of dyspigmentation and scarring in patients of skin of color. Through a split-wound study design, patients undergoing standard elliptical excisions at least 3 cm in length will receive each suture type. Measurements of dyspigmentation and scarring will be made at 7 days (for the head and neck), 10 days (for the trunk and extremities), and 3 months for all locations.

Conditions

Scar

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The present study assesses if dissolvable (fast gut) or non-dissolvable (polypropylene) epidermal sutures produce better cosmetic results in terms of dyspigmentation and scarring in patients of skin of color. Through a split-wound study design, patients undergoing standard elliptical excisions at least 3 cm in length will receive each suture type. Measurements of dyspigmentation and scarring will be made at 7 days (for the head and neck), 10 days (for the trunk and extremities), and 3 months for all locations.

Impact of Suture Type on Pigment Disturbances in Patients of Skin of Color: A Prospective, Randomized Split-wound Study

Impact of Suture Type on Pigment Disturbances in Patients of Skin of Color

Condition
Scar
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Pittsburgh

UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213

Pittsburgh

UPMC St. Margaret, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15215

Pittsburgh

UPMC Shadyside Place, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15232

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Age 18 years or older
  • 2. Undergoing dermatologic surgery with planned standard elliptical excision with wound length of 3 cm or greater. Benign and malignant lesions will be included, including those that have undergone Mohs micrographic surgery prior to standard linear closure. All body sites will be included.
  • 3. Able to give informed consent
  • 4. Able to return for 3 month follow up
  • 5. New Immigration Scale (NIS) skin color 4 or greater - The NIS is an 11 point scale, ranging from zero to 10, with zero representing albinism and 10 representing the darkest possible skin.
  • 1. High-tension closures not amenable to 5-0 simple running epidermal sutures
  • 2. Known allergy to suture material
  • 3. Pregnant

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Melissa Pugliano-Mauro,

Melissa Pugliano-Mauro, MD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Study Record Dates

2025-09-01