Facial wound closure with butyl 2-cyanoacrylate

Butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (B2-CA), one of the least histotoxic cyanoacrylate derivatives used as a tissue adhesive extensively for facial and plastic, otolaryngological and dental surgery, produces a mild inflammatory response and is biodegradable. In this study, we histopathologically compared B 2-CA to suture on facial wounds of 21 rabbits. Two facial incisions were made on the chins. Left incisions were sutured (control group) and right ones were treated with B 2-CA (experimental group). The animals were divided into 7 groups and were sacrificed on days 1, 2, and 5 and weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 after surgery. The wound areas were examined histopathologically for the epithelization, inflammation, granulation response, and for foreign body giant cells. Gradation of the histopathological findings yielded no significant difference between the experimental and control groups. Hence, we conclude that B2-CA used on facial wounds shows no more histotoxicity than sutures. Thus, B2-CA could provide an alternative and a possible superior method for closing incisions of facial and plastic surgery. In addition, B2-CA has the advantages of ease of application, immediate homeostasis, and excellent cosmetic results.