Histoacryl. Its use in aesthetic facial plastic surgery

Since their discovery in 1949, cyanoacrylates have evoked interest as being a possible ideal "tissue glue." Several different forms of these compounds have been developed in order to try to reduce or eliminate tissue toxicity. Butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl) appears to be the closest ideal material as it induces low tissue reactivity and toxicity. It has been used extensively for middle ear surgery with little or no adverse effects. A historical review of tissue adhesives and a discussion of technical considerations is outlined. A clinical trial of 100 patients treated with Histoacryl on various surgical wounds revealed no significant adverse effects with wound healing, graft rejection, or infection over a six-month period. Histoacryl appears to offer many advantages and few disadvantages over conventional suture techniques.