Can lip lifts use skin glue instead of stitches?

Question

Wouldnt that help minimise the appearance of the scar compared with stitches?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Yes, skin adhesive can sometimes be used for certain lip-lift incisions, but whether it is appropriate depends on the specific procedure, incision location, tension on the wound, and the surgeon’s technique.

It is understandable to think that avoiding stitches would automatically mean a less visible scar, but unfortunately, the presence of stitches is not what determines how noticeable a lip-lift scar will ultimately be. Scar appearance is influenced much more by how precisely the incision is placed, how the tissues are handled, how much tension is present during healing, your individual tendency to scar, and postoperative care.

For a lip lift, the incision is in a very visible area beneath the nose, so meticulous closure is particularly important. Fine sutures allow the surgeon to precisely align the edges of the skin and control tension. Skin glue can be useful in selected cases, but it does not necessarily produce a better scar than carefully placed sutures. In some situations, glue may actually be less appropriate if there is significant tension or movement in the area.

Some surgeons use a combination approach, such as deep dissolvable sutures to support the tissues followed by very fine superficial sutures or adhesive. The goal is to allow the wound to heal with minimal tension and a well-aligned skin edge.

So, if minimizing the scar is your priority, I would focus less on whether glue or stitches are used and more on the surgical technique, incision placement, tension management, and your individual healing characteristics. A well-placed, carefully closed incision can heal into a very subtle scar even when sutures are used.

Can lip lifts use skin glue instead of stitches?

Answers (1)

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