Complete closure by purse-string suture after Mohs micrographic surgery on thin, sun-damaged skin

BACKGROUND. The purse-string suture technique is useful for partial closure of surgical defects. OBJECTIVE. We demonstrated that 100% closure can often be obtained on surgical defects of the thin skin on the upper extremities. METHODS. Standard purse-string suture techniques were used to close surgical defects on the upper extremities. RESULTS. 100% closure of surgical defects on upper extremities was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS. Purse-string suture technique is useful for repairs of surgical defects on the upper extremities when the skin is very thin but not recommended when the skin is thick.