What is Laceration Repair?

A laceration is a wound produced by the tearing of body tissue.  Unlike an incision with smooth edges, a laceration is often jagged and irregular.  As a result, there can be variable degrees of damage to the underlying body tissue and structures depending on the depth and force of the trauma that caused the laceration. The treatment of a laceration begins with cleaning the laceration and removing any debris in and around the area, and the dead or severely damaged skin being trimmed off. Then, depending on the depth of the laceration, several layers of sutures may be needed to close the laceration. Absorbable sutures are used to bring the edges of the underlying tissues together.  The outer layer of skin is closed with sutures or surgical staples that usually need to be removed in 10-14 days.