Transepidermal elimination of suture material in lip biopsy specimen

Transepidermal elimination (TE) is a well-known phenomenon by which dermal materials are expelled through an active epithelial-dermal connective tissue interaction. It has been associated with many cutaneous disorders and described as a regular or sporadic occurrence in a variety of dermatologic conditions. TE as a means of expulsion by skin, either externally introduced or endogenously generated foreign material, is well recognized but rarely appreciated phenomenon. Hence, here we are presenting a case of TE of suture material from the labial surface of the lower lip in a patient who was previously operated for mucocele a year back and reported with the impression of the recurrent lesion.