Surgical buttons are used for retaining a suture after passing through the skin on one side of an abdominal or other wound. The button comprises a non-metallic disc made of nylon or other suitable plastic material which has an axial orifice there through for passage of the suture and which axial passage or orifice is intersected by a radial orifice extending diametrically there through to receive a locking pin which engages the suture in a wedging action to hold it tightly in the disc. The button also comprises a pad of soft, spongy material, such as sponge rubber, secured to one face of the disc with a covering of cloth or fabric which lies against the skin and prevents irritation or maceration. No tying of the suture is involved. It is held in place by the wedging action of the disc.