Which of the following is NOT an advantage of horizontal mattress sutures?

The correct choice highlights a characteristic of horizontal mattress sutures that does not align with their typical advantages. Horizontal mattress sutures are known for their ability to provide several benefits, such as increased closure strength, improved flap vascularity, and better wound approximation. These sutures distribute tension more evenly across the wound edges, promoting a more secure closure and minimizing the risk of tissue strangulation or necrosis.

In terms of visualizing the suture line, while horizontal mattress sutures can help in assessing tension along the wound edges, they are not necessarily designed for easy visualization. The way these sutures are placed—by passing the needle through the tissue at various intervals—can make it more complex to clearly visualize the suture line compared to simpler suture techniques.

The key takeaway is that while horizontal mattress sutures offer notable advantages related to wound healing and strength, their complexity does not lend itself to easy visualization of the suture line, which makes this characteristic the exception among their benefits.