Skin closures using cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives. Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation DATA Committee. Device and Technique Assessment.

Studies have been done and approval is soon possible from the FDA for an octylcyanoacrylate tissue glue for closure of lacerations of incisions. This is a newer-generation cyanoacrylate that improves on the butylcyanoacrylates currently in use in Canada and other countries but not approved by the FDA. It is a pliable, waterproof, film adhesive that can be applied to a laceration and left in place until it disintegrates in 7 to 14 days.

Skin expansion--a sword that "stretches" two ways: scalp expansion and bone erosion.

Tissue expanders, which are used to enlarge the soft tissue of the scalp, eroded the outer table of the skull as well as a portion of the inner table. The patient in this case study is documented with photographs, and the entity of pressure due to skin expanders is discussed. A growing list of complications makes it important to be aware of the possible pitfalls of expanders and to discuss them with patients and/or their families, particularly when tissue expanders are used in children.

The office treatment of tattoos: a simple and effective method.

A simplified method for the treatment of tattoos is described. The method is based on an older method called the "French method" known to tattoo artists. The treatment consists of superficial dermabrasion of the skin followed by application of a tannic acid solution which is then "rubbed" into the skin by the dermabrasion wheel.

Traumatic lipomas/pseudolipomas.

The occurrence of lipomas following trauma is reported in three cases with a review of the literature including 36 additional cases. This condition is usually related to massive trauma in the hip, buttock, and thigh area that is most frequently secondary to a motor vehicle accident. It is most common in the female and may be attributed to the characteristic hip, buttock, thigh fat deposition of the female.