The<unk>  is placed in a "far-far-near-near" order of bites. The "far-far" loop enters and exits the skin surface at a 90 degree angle, some 4 mm to 8 mm from the wound margin. It passes relatively deeply into the dermis. The "near-near" loop enters and exits the skin surface 1 mm to 2 mm from the wound margin, traversing the wound at 1 mm depth. Because of the precise degree of control that the<unk>  provides, bites must be symmetrical, especially the depth of the near-near loop, or the wound will invariably misalign and heal with a "shelf" on one side. The knot is tightened only until sufficient opposition and eversion is achieved. Over-enthusiastic tightening increases the likelihood that the suture material cuts into skin, bearing in mind the swelling that will ensue during wound healing. Bolstering (placing small rolls of gauze under the surface loops prior to tightening) prevents the suture material from cutting down into the skin.
Vertical mattress stitch
Horizontal mattress stitch
Seton stitch
Husband stitch
Corner stitch
Simple interrupted stitch
Wound closure strip
Serdev suture