[swatsurgeon]

Thanks TR...very good points you bring up.
Lips and eyelids are very delicate areas and when repaired MUST be re-aligned just right, with the correct amount of tension across them, the correct number of layers closed and with the correct material....when all of the stars align, a nice repair occurs. If any of the factors including absolute debridement and cleaning of tissue isn't perfect, the end result is usually less than satisfactory.
As for the 6 hr rule, hit it right. After 6-8 hours we re-excise the laceration and fix it primarily. If not we let it heal 'on its own' which doesn't necessarily give the best looking scar....and YES, ALL LACERATIONS/INCISIONS LEAVE A SCAR.
Field cleaning and closure buy you time to reduce the incidence of infection and maintain function. Once back at an ED, aid station, hospital, etc, the knowledge of appropriate wound management...NOT really wound care, is paramount. Our training in wound mangement is , in my opinion, more important than just wound care. I have seen alot of wounds mismanaged that require alot more wound care and future management because of the poor care given at the first point of contact.

Never rub anything into a wound as your mother's recipe or grandma's home recipe for improved wounds. No powders, creams, salves, lotions...good old soap and water, NO hydrogen peroxide, some antibiotic ointment is fine and dress/cover it to prevent further contamination. 100mph tape, superglue all work very well as the definitive closure IF the wound is clean, doesn't need debriding and the wound gods are smiling on you.
ss