The use of Dermabond requires that the wound be completely reapproximated before its application.
In dermatologic surgery, most wounds require buried sutures prior to the application of the adhesive. If the adhesive seeps into the wound bed, healing is impaired. After the swelling of a wound recedes, the suture returns to its original length and keeps the wound well approximated. Elasticity is the ability of a suture to regain its original form and length after stretching.
The configuration of a suture is based on the number of strands of material used to fabricate it. The physical characteristics of a suture material determine its utility; these characteristics include configuration, diameter, capillarity and fluid absorption, tensile strength, knot strength, elasticity, plasticity, and memory.