Is it common for skin glue to be used to close incisions after breast reduction?

Question

I had breast reduction surgery months ago where my vertical incision opened/split. Is it common for a surgeon to use only skin glue to close this incision? There were not exterior sutures, only glue and steri-strips. Thank you.

Michal Brichacek, MD · Answer

There were very likely sutures under the skin. Incisions are commonly closed in several layers. Just because you do not see the sutures, doesn't mean that there isn't one running under the skin edge. This is a common technique we use in plastic surgery called a running subcuticular suture. I perform this suture routinely, and then put skin glue and steristrips on top of this to further support the skin edges.

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Using a skin glue such as dermabond is incredibly common. This is placed over dissolvable sutures to provide another layer and aid in keeping the incision closed. I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

It is not common to use "only" skin glue to close breast reduction incisions. However, it is likely that your surgeon utilized dissolvable sutures under the skin, called subcuticular sutures, that were holding the incision together in addition to the skin glue. You would not see these sutures as they would be deep to the skin. Unfortunately, while not common, wound healing issues following breast reduction, on either the horizontal or vertical limb, are fairly common due to the size and shape of the incisions. Thankfully, this typically does not have a large impact on the shape or character of the resulting scars.

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello, every surgeon performs things slightly differently. It is common to use skin glue and/or steri strips externally to seal the superficial layer of a breast reduction incision. However most surgeons usually perform a multi-layered closure with buried (internal) absorbable sutures. If you still have questions, I recommend asking your surgeon at a follow up visit.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Skin glue by itself cannot hold an incision under tension together.  Your surgeon likely used dissolvable sutures to close the skin, followed by the skin glue and steri-strips.  Despite closing an incision in multiple layers, it is not uncommon for a portion of the incision to reopen.  It generally will heal on its own, and a scar revision can be performed later if it is creating an irregularity or is wide.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear DSNY22,
for scars, I close all of my incisions in 5 layers and do not use absorbable sutures because they cause inflammation and worse scarring. I tape all of my incisions in the office visits once a week for six weeks after surgery to improve the appearance. After taping, I start my patients on a scar gel therapy for 3 months that they have to put on their incisions twice daily.You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon as different surgeons have different approaches in scar management.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You most likely had many sutures used but they were all I under the skin so you didn’t see them. It’s is typical you would only see steri strips. Splitting apart of some of the incisions in breast reduction is common but they almost always  heal in on their own After a few weeks.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, using skin glue and Steri-strips is a very common way to close incision because there are many internal dissolvable stitches inside and it leave nice scars.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question!
Each surgeon has his/her own protocol. Reach out to your surgeon  with these questions and concerns. 
Best wishes!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Suturing technique varies by surgeon.  There are internal as well as external sutures uses to close breast reduction incisions.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon to learn more about her/his preferences and rationale.

Is it common for skin glue to be used to close incisions after breast reduction?

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