What do butterfly stitches do?

Have you ever seen a butterfly with stitches? Okay, that might be an absurd question, but have you ever come across a human whose cuts were fixed using butterfly stitches? If yes, then let’s dive right into what these tiny adhesive strips do and how they are used in the world of medicine.

What Are Butterfly Stitches?

Butterfly stitches (also known as Steri-Strips) are small adhesive strips that resemble butterflies or “butterfly wings”. They are designed to hold together gaping or stretched skin edges of wounds without the need for stitching or suturing. These strips work by pulling both sides of a wound together, allowing natural healing underneath while preventing infection.

Why Use Butterfly Stitches Instead of Regular Stitches?

Believe it or not, people aren’t just being fancy when they opt for butterfly stitches over traditional ones. There are some advantages to their use:

1. More Economical

A pack of Steri-Strip costs much less than getting sutured up at the hospital! After all, saving money has never hurt anyone – unlike needing actual medical care.

2. Better Cosmetic Outcome

Many patients prefer butterfly closure because it offers better cosmetic outcomes compared to sutures/staples as fewer scars remain after successful recovery.

3. Faster Healing Time

Since there will be no incisions made with Steri-strips only wound closure is practiced using it; hence healing time can also shorten drastically.

How Does One Apply Injuries Using A Butterflies Sutures Strip?

It sounds like one would need surgical expertise over here and stick them on any cut haphazardly – if this was Legos we’re talking about maybe… But even so who hasn’t messed up putting those bricks back together now and then amirite fellas?? Where was I … oh yes …

Applying a butterfly bandage is a simple and relatively easy task for most. However, it’s important to make sure the wound has been properly cleaned before applying them – nothing worse than trapping dirt particles inside! The process of application can be summarized in 3 steps:

Step #1: Preparation

Ensure that the skin on either side of the cut sits dry so that strips adhere well. If the opening bleeds excessively, blot it with cotton wool or gauze.

Step #2: Applying

Gently stick one end then pull firmly (but not too hard) across until slight tension created between each end holds wound edges together without any overlap

Step #3: Done!

Make sure everything stays still by placing another Steri-Strip horizontally over those two vertically placed ones below them where you just applied pressure earlier.

How Long Should I Leave Butterfly Stitches On?

Steri-strips should remain intact from anywhere between three and ten days depending on the nature of wounds being covered – feel free to consult your doctor about when to remove these!

When And Where Can These Be Used?

Butterfly stitches are recommended as a fixer-upper measure superficial cuts/abrasions (like papercuts), lacerations, long surgical incisions or even splitting open calloused fingers after laborious cooking sessions like Christmas holidays dinner rush etc (who needs mandoline blades anyway right?)

They are also perfect for emergencies when access to medical care might be limited such as during camping trips, hikes or tours; hence students attending school camps would do well in bringing along some extra butterfly closures into their kits.

In cases where more extensive repair may be necessary including extremely deep cuts/trauma areas requiring metal plates/surgical pins placement under surgeons remit though again feel free ask non-judgemental questions if they start throwing jargon around! (Seriously – what is an osteosynthesis plate – is it made of bone or metal?)

Can I Remove Butterfly Stitches Myself?

The answer is nuanced – in some cases yep, other times not so much. Some guidelines though:

When to remove Steri-strips yourself

If your wound has fully healed around three days post-surgery and you feel there’s no need for any further follow-ups with medical personnel; individual strips can be removed easily by tugging on eithers’ end slowly until detached completely from both sides.

When NOT to remove Steri-strips yourself

It’s generally safe to assume that professionals have the best understanding of when these types of things should come off but if unsure just ask! Remember each person differs; however, below are some scenarios where removing them yourself could cause more harm than good:

• If the strips peel away inadvertently (before they fall apart naturally).

• You notice a new or worsened infection beginning underfoot/around effected area

In such circumstances let your health care provider make informed decisions about what needs doing rather than risk greater damage.

Who Should Avoid Using Butterfly Sutures Though?

Although butterfly closures might seem like an attractive option as opposed to traditional stitches/suturing methods mentioned earlier especially due cost effectiveness factor, elderly people, infants (and anyone whose skin sensitivity levels exceed normal tolerances) would benefit better from avoiding usage altogether – since trauma resistance thresholds vary between subjects as primary knowledge. Other than this exception population nearly all ages safely benefit use these nifty bandages!

Conclusion

Butterfly stitches are an excellent alternative stitch-less closure method for smooth superficial cuts and abrasions during emergency situations at hiking/camping trips schools camps etc., which can save money vs expenses stitched wounds up conventionally. It also results in better cosmetic outcomes after healing process margins their users recover faster than those who opted had sutures/staples applied unexpectedly!. So next time you’re faced with a cut too small to merit stitches or outdoors somewhere pondering how the hell you’ll keep that finger from splitting apart; remember – butterfly stitches always have your back!