The ideal tissue adhesive in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery

In this paper we have reviewed cutaneous wound closure in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery using two different tissue adhesives: (1) Fibrin glue (Tisseel), and (2) N-butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl Blue). Fibrin glue was used on 23 patients: eight lower blepharoplasties, eight hemi-facelifts, five mid browlifts and seven facial reconstructive procedures. Histoacryl glue was used in 108 blepharoplasty incisions, 30 facelift incisions, 21 submental incisions for liposuction, and 19 local flaps for facial reconstructive procedures. Comparison was made of the adequacy of bonding, cosmetic result of the incision, ease of use and cost. The results of our experience with tissue adhesives indicate the use of fibrin glue mainly on the undersurface of flaps. We think histoacryl glue is the ideal tissue adhesive for surface cutaneous wound closure in regards to safety, reliability, tensile strength and cost effectiveness.