Types of Surgical Scissors and Their Uses
By Abbasi Surgical Team · Updated 26 Oct 2026
Surgical scissors are grouped by the tissue they cut. The four types every general set includes are Mayo, Metzenbaum, Iris and suture scissors.
Mayo scissors
Mayo scissors have heavy, semi-blunt blades for cutting thick tissue such as fascia and for cutting sutures. Typical length: 14–23 cm.
Metzenbaum scissors
Metzenbaum scissors have long handles and short, fine blades for delicate dissection of soft tissue. They should never be used on sutures, which dull the blades.
Iris scissors
Iris scissors are small (around 11 cm) with sharp tips, used in ophthalmic, plastic and fine skin surgery.
Suture scissors
Suture scissors have a hooked or notched blade to lift and cut stitches during removal.
Choosing a set
A Mayo, Metzenbaum and Iris scissors set covers most general and minor surgery. Browse all surgical scissors.
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