Improved esthetic results with fine-tip Dermabond application technique

Tissue glues and adhesives have achieved increasing popularity as alternatives to small wound closure. When applying these substances, it is often difficult to avoid contact with the surrounding skin and foreign objects such as surgical gloves. A technique for the application of Dermabond is described in this report. Twenty wounds less than 10 cm in length were reapproximated using a fine-tip tuberculin syringe applicator. The wounds were evaluated immediately after the application, and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after surgery. Use of the tuberculin fine-tip technique allowed reapproximation of the wound edges with no clinical evidence of surrounding tissue damage. There were no apparent decreases in wound strength or associated discoloration or fuzziness onto the skin. Esthetic results were considered good to excellent by patients. Dermabond can be accurately applied with a tuberculin syringe, avoiding the surrounding tissue damage and foreign object adhesion reported in the literature.