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Dermabond Vs Stitches for Minimizing Scars?

My 22 months old son fell and his forehead was cut open about 1/2 inches wide. Rushed to ER, they said he needed stitches. I asked if they could glue the wound shut which they did with Dermabond.

Today, I went to the pediatrican and dr. told me that I should have him stitched up instead of glued.

Now my son will have a scar on his forehead for sure. I feel terrible. I've never been in the ER before and didn't know what option I had and what's best method.

Is it true that stitches is better in this case?

Asked 25 months ago by deedego in new jersey

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Scarring after dermabond

All full thickness injuries leave scarring. The goal of plastic surgical closure is to create the most aesthetically acceptable scar. Tissue glue has the advantage of avoiding painful injections of local anesthesia in a small child. However, I do not use it as patients come to me for my surgical expertise. You should monitor the healing of the scar over the coming year. If you are unhappy with the outcome, see a board certified plastic surgeon. However,... more

Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Stitches versus Dermabond

Thank you for the question. I would not beat myself up if I were you. There is no way to know with any degree of certainty that your son's scar would have healed better with sutures as opposed to dermabond. At his age it is likely that he will have a very acceptable scar. At one year after the trauma you may have him evaluated by a board-certified plastic surgeon to see if scar revision might be helpful. Again, I would not feel too guilty if I were you. Best wishes... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Dermabond vs. stitches

There was a clinical study done to assess whether stitches or dermabond resulted in better-looking scars after skin surgeries to remove moles and such. The results of the study showed a better cosmetic outcome with stitches as opposed to dermabond. Even though the differences were statistically significant, my impression is that the differences in cosmetic outcome were still not dramatic. 22 month-olds heal very well in general regardless which method is used. Please do not beat... more