Absorbable sutures appear clinically effective and may be more cost-effective than non-absorbable sutures for definitive closure of adult facial lacerations.

A short cut review of the literature was carried out to examine the evidence supporting the use of absorbable suture for definitive closure of facial lacerations. Two papers were identified as suitable for inclusion using the reported search strategy. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of the best papers are tabulated. The current evidence suggests that use of absorbable sutures for definitive wound closure in facial lacerations delivers comparable cosmetic outcomes, with no difference in reported complications. Use of absorbable sutures may be more cost effective, through avoidance of further downstream healthcare resource use.