Butterfly closure

Butterfly closures are adhesive bandage strips which can be used to close small wounds. They are applied across the laceration in a manner which pulls the skin on either side of the wound together. Butterfly closures may be used instead of sutures (stitches) in some injuries, because they lessen scarring and are easier to care for.

Names

Butterfly closures are often referred to using the genericized trademark Steri-Strips, the brand name used by 3M's Nexcare. The precursor to the Steri-Strip was 3M's Micropore brand of microporous surgical tape.

They are also called butterfly stitches (despite being an alternative to stitches) or butterfly bandages.

Usage

Butterfly closures are ideal for use in highly contoured areas or areas of musculoskeletal movements, such as joints. They are also for use in areas where swelling, edema, hematomas, or bloating may occur. Additionally, they provide wound support following early suture or staple removal. Butterfly closures may also be applied together with special glue to secure the wound.