NEOSORB RAPID Synthetic Absorbable Surgical Suture is indicated only for use in soft tissue approximation of the skin and mucosa, plastic surgery, where only short-term wound support is required. It is not indicated for use in ligation, ophthalmic, cardiovascular, or neurological procedures. NEOSORB RAPID Synthetic Absorbable Surgical Suture elicits a minimal acute inflammatory reaction in tissues, which is followed by gradual encapsulation of the suture by fibrous connective tissue. Progressive loss of tensile strength and eventual absorption of NEOSORB RAPID Synthetic Absorbable Sutures occurs hydrolysis, where the polymer degrades to glycolic and lactic acids which are subsequently absorbed and metabolized in the body. NEOSORB RAPID retains approximately 50% of the original tensile strength at 5 days post implantation. All of the original tensile strength is lost by approximately 10 to 14 days. Absorption is essentially complete by 42 days.