Sutures are used to close wounds that are too large or deep to be closed with adhesive strips or skin glue. They are also used to close wounds that are in difficult-to-reach areas. There are two main types of sutures: absorbable and non-absorbable. Absorbable sutures dissolve on their own over time, while non-absorbable sutures need to be removed by a healthcare professional. The size of a suture is measured in millimeters. The smaller the number, the thinner the suture. Suture size is important because it affects how much tension is needed to close the wound. Too much tension can cause tissue damage, while too little tension can cause the wound to gape open.