A method and device for anchoring a length of self-retaining suture. Themethod of anchoring includes providingfor an assembly having a length of self-retaining suture and a sutureinsertion device. The length of suture includes at least a portionof the length having a plurality of retainers thereon extending in a firstdirection. The insertion device has a length and a recessto receive a portion of the suture length. The method further includes placinga portion of the suture length in the recess andinserting the device into the body of a mammal until the recess reaches apredetermined location thereby forming an insertionpathway. The method further includes retrieving the insertion device from thebody by moving the insertion device in a directionsubstantially opposed to the insertion pathway.
