When the laceration extends through all tissue layers, begin closure with a nonabsorbable, monofilament 5-0 synthetic suture that aligns the skin surrounding the entrances of the nasal canals to prevent malposition and notching of the alar rim. Traction on the long, untied ends of this suture approximates the wounds and aligns the anterior and posterior margins of the divided tissue layers. Repair the mucous membrane with interrupted, braided, absorbable 5-0 synthetic sutures, burying the knots in the tissue. Re-irrigate the area gently from the outside. Rarely, the cartilage may need to be approximated with a minimal number of 5-0 absorbable sutures. In sharply marked linear lacerations, closure of the overlying skin is usually sufficient. Close the cut edges of the skin, with its adherent musculature, using interrupted, nonabsorbable, monofilament 6-0 synthetic sutures. Remove external sutures in 3 to 5 days.