SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic for Finger Microsuture Surgery

Hello. We are SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic, dedicated to functional recovery with medical insurance application.

In the previous article, we discussed burn treatment, and today we'll be looking into suture surgery. Suture surgery, as the name suggests, refers to the procedure of stitching up a torn area.

This differs from a general abrasion where skin is scraped off. While abrasions fall into this category, cases requiring suturing, such as a deep cut on the palm from a blade causing significant bleeding, necessitate prompt suture surgery.

As modern people increasingly use their fingers for work and daily life, minor finger injuries have become common, often requiring finger microsuture surgery.

Most finger problems result in minor injuries, with little to no bleeding. Even if there is bleeding, if the skin isn't severely torn, self-hemostasis followed by ointment and a band-aid can lead to stopped bleeding and some skin recovery by the next day.

However, if you find it difficult to assess and manage the injury yourself, it's crucial to seek prompt emergency treatment at a nearby plastic surgery clinic, university hospital, or general hospital that handles surgical procedures.

Types of Injuries Requiring Sutures

There are quite a few types of injuries that require suturing for various reasons:

These include deep damage to the dermal layer or subcutaneous tissue of the skin; exposure of muscles, fat layers, nerves, or blood vessels; bleeding that persists for more than 10-15 minutes even with compression; significant blood loss requiring emergency intervention; and wounds gapping more than 0.5cm, making natural healing unlikely.

Additionally, suturing may be necessary for wounds with irregular edges or foreign bodies that hinder healing without it; injuries from rusty objects, animal or human bites; wounds sustained in contaminated environments; and cases where a resulting scar could cause cosmetic issues.

Furthermore, suturing may be required for functional preservation in highly mobile joint areas; large wounds measuring 2-3cm or more in length; deep or widely gaping wounds regardless of size; and skin lacerations caused by knives, glass, or other sharp objects.

These types of cases are handled by clinics nationwide that specialize in suture surgery.

Dr. Eui-cheol Jeong's SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic is divided into cosmetic surgery and medical insurance clinics. Patients requiring finger microsuture surgery or those with torn injuries in other areas can receive treatment with medical insurance application, reducing their financial burden.

Why Torn Injuries Require Prompt Attention

The reason torn injuries require prompt attention is to prevent dizziness from excessive bleeding and potentially more severe conditions like a coma.

Victims themselves are usually aware of the severity and tend to react quickly. However, another crucial reason for prompt action, even in less severe cases, is to prevent permanent scarring.

In a previous case, a butcher accidentally cut off a part of his thumb tip while using a meat slicer or cutting machine. In such situations, it's difficult to assess the condition, so quick action was needed to reattach the severed skin and perform immediate suturing.

Dr. Eui-cheol Jeong at SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic approaches all torn injuries, not just those on fingers, with a focus on functional restoration rather than purely cosmetic purposes.

Living with a lifelong scar can lead to significant cosmetic concerns later on. While it's often difficult to completely eliminate scars, there is a clear difference between scars left without medical intervention and those that result from a medical procedure.

SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic helps you achieve that difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of injuries require suture surgery?

Suture surgery is necessary for deep damage to the dermal layer or subcutaneous tissue, exposed muscles, nerves, or blood vessels, bleeding that persists for more than 10-15 minutes even with compression, and wounds gapping more than 0.5cm. Additionally, contamination by foreign objects or injuries to joint areas may also require suturing.

Why is it important to treat torn injuries quickly?

Torn injuries must be treated quickly because they can cause dizziness or even a coma due to excessive bleeding. Furthermore, if prompt treatment is not provided, the likelihood of permanent scarring increases, making rapid treatment crucial.

Is medical insurance applicable for suture surgery at SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic?

Yes, SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic applies medical insurance for the treatment of torn injuries, including finger microsuture surgery, to reduce the financial burden on patients. Functional recovery is our top priority.

What does SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic focus on during suture surgery?

Dr. Eui-cheol Jeong at SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic focuses on functional restoration rather than cosmetic purposes for all torn injuries in the body, not just fingers. Even if it's difficult to completely eliminate scars, there is a clear difference in scars that have undergone a medical procedure.

Should I go to the hospital for a minor finger injury?

Typically, minor injuries can heal with self-hemostasis, ointment, and a band-aid. However, if you find it difficult to assess the injury yourself, or if the wound is deep and bleeding heavily, surgical treatment may be necessary. In such cases, it's best to visit a nearby plastic surgery clinic or university hospital for emergency treatment.