Rapid sutures, also known as fast-absorbing sutures, are synthetic absorbable sutures designed for use in soft tissue approximation where short-term wound support is required. These sutures are often made from materials such as polyglactin or polyglycolic acid, which degrade through hydrolysis, and they are typically fully absorbed within 7 to 10 days.
Rapid sutures are available in various sizes, with smaller sizes (e.g., 6-0, 5-0) being used for delicate tissue closures such as facial or hand lacerations, and larger sizes (e.g., 2-0, 3-0) used for general tissue approximation in superficial wounds. These sutures are frequently employed in procedures where quick healing is anticipated and suture removal is not required, such as dermatological surgeries, pediatric applications, or minor surgical procedures.
