What is best for blepharoplasty? Stitches (sutures) or glue? Pros and cons for each?

Question

What gives better looking eyelids as in which results look better and which one leaves a better looking and less noticeable scar?

Cameron Chesnut, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

The best route relating to this question  is to choose the surgeon that you want, whatever works best in his or her hands is going to be the right answer to this. To ensure you are receiving the highest level of care, seek out a modernly trained, new-school dermatologic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who is board certified and fellowship trained in one of these "core four" cosmetic specialties. Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery help to identify a highly trained surgeon.
Cameron Chesnut#realself500 Physician

Stephen H. Fink, DO, FAOCO · Answer

Eyelid  skin is thin and is not under tension making it a reasonable area to consider tissue glue. It may be good for a small laceration in this area. Having said that, I have never used it for a cosmetic surgery because I avoid anything that may seal the edges across the approximated skin during healing. Secondly, I believe  I have more  control over wound alignment. I also have more trust that sutures will hold the incision for the appropriate amount of time for healing.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear 6am6oom,For the best healing with the least noticeable scar, sutures are the recommendation. When removed in a timely fashion, the results are great. Best regards,Nima Shemirani

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Glue is no magic bullet. Generally it is associated with a depressed scar on the face.  Careful suturing with timing suture removal leads to the best results.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Stitches are more predictable and safer than glue to close the upper blepharoplasty wound. There are two types of sutures, 1) absorbable, 2) nonaborable (usually removed about 1 week after the procedure).  The technique of upper blepharoplasty is what is most important.

David Stoker, MD · Answer

Stitches are for sure the best way to close incisions following eyelid surgery. They are much more precise than tissue glue.

Afshin Farzadmehr, MD · Answer

fast absorbing colorless sutures size of your hair.  Meticulous suture work leading to best results.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Sutures are the standard closure material used during blepharoplasty. The sutures used are extremely tiny like a hair and removed early to minimize any scarring. Sutures also give the surgeon exact control on how the two skin edges align for a perfect closure. Skin glue is hard to control and can also be dangerous if it gets into the eye. Hope this helps!!Johnson C. Lee, MD Plastic Surgery

Walton Montegut, MD · Answer

Sutures are the optimum way to go due to the type of closure it performs.  After training with Dr. Henry Baylis for 3 years, founder of the Jules Stein Institute, the best closure is with stitches.  He trained more surgeons than anyone in this field.  The stitches will leave a minimal scar at best and it will be invisible if placed in the eyelid fold.  Glue may work well, but is not the optimum closure.  I hope this helps.

Malcolm A. Lesavoy, MD, FACS · Answer

There is not much controversy for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for closure of the incisions. Precision is paramount, therefore, in my opinion, sutures are the only way to go.

What is best for blepharoplasty? Stitches (sutures) or glue? Pros and cons for each?

Answers (16)

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