[Illustration: FIG. 21. FIG. 22. PLASTER SUTURES.] The method involves the proper placing of strips of plaster at either or opposite ends of the wound. The distance between the incision and the edge of the plaster must not be less than ¼ inch or more, according to the length of the wound and its position. In place of the strips of rubber adhesive plaster, the aseptic Z. O. plaster should be substituted to overcome the objections of the infections therefrom. [Illustration: FIG. 23. FIG. 24. ANGULAR PLASTER SUTURES.] The inner edges of the plasters are raised slightly, and interrupted sutures are inserted through them instead of the skin (see Fig. 21). They are then tied as shown in Fig. 22. In angular incisions the plasters are cut as desired to insure perfect coaptation, as in Figs. 23 and 24. The advantages of this method, besides those already mentioned, are that the wound is always open for inspection and permits of free drainage. If thought best, a small strip of iodoform gauze may be placed over the threads or even under them, if there is little tension. Since the introduction of the aseptic Z. O. (Lilienthal) strips, the above method may be discarded as unnecessary and requiring too much time for their application. Strips of the antiseptic plaster are placed across the wound at right angles, or, if the surface be a curved one, obliquely to the wound. The plasters are furnished in strips of the width desired, packed in two germ-proof envelopes. They are extremely adhesive to dry surfaces. Besides being aseptic, they are slightly antiseptic and nonirritating. The strips are placed in position, leaving an open space between them while the assistant brings the edges of the wound into position. Where there is tension of the parts this method is not to be employed. The wound may be dusted as when sutured and dressed in the same manner. The plasters are removed about the sixth day _by drawing the ends of the strips toward the wound_. Their second application is unnecessary, regular dressings being substituted. From the above it must not be inferred that all plastic wounds are amenable to the above methods, because many require specific treatment, as later described. =Granulation.=—Wounds left open for granulation should be dusted over with some stimulating antiseptic powder, such as aristol or boric acid, and then covered with iodoform or borated gauze. The granulating surface must be gently washed with a mild solution of peroxid. Prolific hypertrophic granulations, that jut out over the surface, are touched with a lunar caustic point, avoiding the epithelial edge of the wound, where it causes considerable pain. Pale and loose granular points should be scraped away with the sharp spoon curette to hasten better growth.