New Generation Absorbable Sutures in Aesthetic Surgery: A Step Forward to Reduce Scarring

In recent years, "new generation absorbable sutures" has become a term that appears increasingly often in cosmetic surgery clinics and advertising. From facial aesthetic procedures, breast augmentation, tummy shaping, to post-circumcision skin suturing, many facilities introduce types of sutures coated with antibacterial agents, double-barbed or made from new biodegradable materials, promising "fast action, minimal scarring." The issue for patients is: what truly represents real progress and what are exaggerated expectations?

This article reviews the core technology of modern absorbable sutures in aesthetic surgery, their benefits and limitations from a medical perspective, so readers can have a basis to discuss with doctors before making decisions.

How Do Absorbable Sutures Work?

Absorbable sutures are surgical needles that the body gradually breaks down through hydrolysis or enzymes, thus eliminating the need for cutting. Most are made from synthetic polymers such as polyglactin, polydioxanone (PDO), poliglecaprone, or polyglycolic acid. Each type has different "tensile strength retention time" and "complete degradation time," ranging from a few weeks to several months.

An important point that many people misunderstand: absorbable sutures do not inherently make the wound look better. Factors determining scarring include suturing technique, tissue tension, suture path, and healthy tissue healing. Absorbable sutures help avoid bleeding during cutting and reduce prolonged foreign body reaction, thereby supporting favorable conditions for tissue healing.

What Makes the New Generation Different?

Compared to traditional absorbable sutures, recent advancements include:

• Antibacterial-coated sutures: Some sutures are treated with triclosan to reduce bacterial adhesion on the suture thread. Many analyses report a trend towards reduced post-surgical infection rates, although the degree varies depending on the type of surgery.
• Barbed sutures: The surface has small barbs that self-adhere to tissue, helping distribute tension evenly and reducing suturing time without needing knots. Commonly used for subcutaneous suturing in breast augmentation.
• Biodegradable materials with adjustable degradation rates: New polymers allow better control over when the suture loses its tensile strength, suitable for different types of tissue.
• Optimal thread diameter and length: Thinner threads but still strong enough to minimize skin marks when suturing within the skin (intradermal).

Note: "new generation" is a marketing term. A high-quality suture may not create a difference if the suturing technique is inappropriate.

How Does It Relate to Reducing Scarring?

Scarring formation is influenced by several factors: edge tension of the wound, inflammation, infection, time for tissue healing, and individual genetic characteristics. The new generation absorbable sutures may indirectly help reduce scarring:

• Reduce foreign body inflammation due to more biocompatible materials.
• No need for cutting means avoiding secondary wounds and bleeding.
• Suturing within the skin helps skin edges adhere, reducing "wandering scar" typically seen with subcutaneous sutures.
• Antibacterial properties may reduce infection risk, a factor in poor scarring.

However, evidence showing that these sutures "make scars prettier than ever before" compared to existing good-quality ones is still limited and inconsistent. Most comparative studies show aesthetic scar results with small or no statistical significance. In other words, it's just a band-aid, not the deciding factor.

Current Applications in Aesthetic Surgery

In practice, new generation absorbable sutures are used in many situations:

• Suturing within the skin after blepharoplasty, nose shaping, facial tightening.
• Subcutaneous and muscle contouring during breast augmentation, reducing breast size.
• Tummy shaping, where barbed sutures help distribute large tension.
• Closing wounds in difficult-to-suture areas or with children.

It's important to distinguish from "thread lift" (thread facelift) used for facial muscle lifting. This is a different technique with its own indications and risks, not to be confused when discussing surgical suturing techniques.

Limits and Advertising Omissions

New materials are not immune to complications. Some points patients should know:

• Absorbable sutures can still cause inflammation, redness, pimple formation, or thread protrusion in some tissues.
• Degradation speed depends on tissue type and suture placement; too early degradation may affect wound stability.
• Barbed sutures if placed incorrectly can cause skin dimpling, pain, or keloid formation.
• Higer cost does not necessarily mean better results.

Be cautious with advertisements using terms like "exclusive technology," "no scarring," "perfect as never operated." Absolute promises about outcomes are red flags, as no material guarantees this.

Safety and Individual Factors

The outcome of healing and scar formation depends greatly on individual factors. Patients with history of keloid scars, hypertrophic scars, hemophilia, diabetes, smoking, or taking certain medications may heal more slowly and be at higher risk for poor scarring, regardless of the type of suture used. Therefore, choosing the suturing material should only be done by a specialist after a direct consultation, evaluating the site, tissue tension, skin characteristics, and other factors. It is equally important that the facility meets sterilization standards and surgical safety requirements, while patients need to follow post-operative care instructions to minimize infection and pulling on the wound.

Dr. Vo Thanh Sang's Perspective

According to Dr. Vo Thanh Sang, CKI, the new generation absorbable sutures represent a significant advancement, particularly in reducing bleeding during cutting and supporting bacterial control. However, suture material is just one part of the picture. A subtle, soft scar results from the right indication, meticulous suturing technique, tension control, post-operative care, and especially individual patient characteristics. Dr. recommends patients be cautious with advertisements promising "no scarring" or "perfect as never operated," as outcomes depend on individual factors and cannot be absolutely guaranteed.

If you are considering a cosmetic procedure and want to understand which type of suture is right for you, visit a specialist at a reputable facility for personalized advice. You can contact the hotline 079 7479 222 for more information support.

This article provides updated medical information and should not replace doctor's consultations and indications.