Non-Absorbables

Prolene - The non-absorbable that does not stick

• Non-adherent to tissue: perfect for use in skin closure
• True non-absorbable for long-term support
• Bright blue color facilitates removal of sutures
• Tensile Strength Retention: Indefinite

Ethilon - The nylon that is well accepted

• Minimal acute inflammatory response from tissue
• Extremely slow encapsulation and degradation (1 to 2 years)
• Most commonly used in skin
• Tensile Strength Retention: Indefinite
• Absorption: None

Silk - The classic non-absorbable

• The standard by which handling is defined
• Loses tensile strength when wet
• Can be rejected or “spit” from the body
• Wicks bacteria and fluid (multifilament)
• Tensile Strength Retention: One year plus