This stitch is placed in the dermis and is not visible. It works best in wounds where there is minimal tension, and in clean, linear wounds:

• A. Vertical mattress
• B. Subcuticular running
• C. Three-Point
• D. Half-buried mattress

Answer: (B)

Subcuticular running sutures are placed entirely within the dermal/subcutaneous layers, so no suture material or knots are visible on the skin surface. This pattern distributes tension along the length of the incision, giving a smooth edge and a cosmetic scar, which is why it’s ideal for clean, linear wounds with minimal tension. Often these sutures are absorbable, so no removal is needed, reinforcing the cosmetic benefit.

Other patterns require external surface bites or have knots that sit on or near the skin, which can be more noticeable and are better suited for higher-tension wounds or irregular wound edges.