Placement of skin staples

Place the stapler perpendicular to and centered over the wound while everting the wound edges (figure A above) with forceps (preferable) or thumb and forefinger. While pinching the edges of the wound together, gently squeeze the stapler handle to eject the staple into the skin. If the stapler does not automatically release, then release the staple from the stapler by pulling the stapler back. When properly placed, the crossbar of the staple is elevated a few millimeters above the skin surface (figure B above).