Stainless steel staples provide a fast method for wound closure and have been associated with decreased wound infection rates. Staples have been shown to be less reactive than traditional suturing material. Stapling does not affect tissue defenses since it requires minimal skin penetration, and, thus, fewer microorganisms are carried into the lower skin layers. Staples are more expensive than traditional sutures and also require great care in placement, especially in ensuring the closure of wound edges. However, with proper placement, resulting scar formation is cosmetically equivalent to that of other techniques.