Use of 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate skin adhesive (Dermabond) for wound closure following reduction mammaplasty: a prospective, randomized intervention study.

Background: 2-Octyl-cyanoacrylate skin adhesive may be used for surgical wound closure. However, its use in plastic surgery has not been properly assessed.

Methods: The authors conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical intervention study in which the scar characteristics after use of skin adhesive were compared with those after suture closure. Bilateral reduction mammaplasty was performed in 50 patients. The method of closure (sutures versus skin adhesive) applied to each breast was determined randomly, using each patient as her own control. Scars were assessed by the patient and by a blinded panel, at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 6 months after surgery, using a visual analogue scale, the modified Hollander Wound Evaluation Scale, and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale.

Results: Both patients and panelists expressed an overall preference for the adhesive side as of 1 week after surgery. Patients' visual analogue scale scores for scar comfort and scar appearance and panelists' visual analogue scale scores for aesthetic outcome were significantly better for the adhesive side after 6 weeks and 6 months (p < 0.05), as was the total Hollander Wound Evaluation Scale score of the panelists after 6 weeks (p < 0.02). The total Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale score after 6 months was significantly better for the adhesive side according to the patients (p < 0.01), but not according to the panelists (p = 0.11).

Conclusion: The authors conclude that 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate is a sound alternative for wound closure.