If suture marks are to be avoided, sutures of face should be removed by: March 2013 (a, e)
**Core Concept**
Suture marks on the face can be a cosmetic concern for patients. To minimize the risk of suture marks, the timing of suture removal is crucial, especially on the face where skin elasticity is high.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is based on the principle of minimizing suture marks by allowing the skin to heal and contract before removing the sutures. On the face, where skin elasticity is high, sutures can be removed as early as 5-7 days after surgery to prevent suture marks from forming. This allows the skin to contract and close the wound without leaving any noticeable marks.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Removing sutures too early can lead to wound dehiscence and poor wound healing.
**Option B:** Leaving sutures on for too long can cause suture marks, especially on the face where skin elasticity is high.
**Option C:** The timing of suture removal depends on the individual patient and the type of surgery, but generally, sutures can be removed earlier on the face than on other parts of the body.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A common mnemonic to remember the timing of suture removal on the face is: "Face 5, Head 7, Body 10-14 days." This means that sutures on the face can be removed in 5-7 days, on the head in 7 days, and on the body in 10-14 days.
**Correct Answer: A. 5-7 days.**