Are there any alternatives to Dermabond that can be used for closing my surgical incisions?

Thank you for sharing your concerns! It sounds like you’ve had a challenging experience with surgical adhesives like Dermabond, which is understandable. While Dermabond and similar skin adhesives are popular due to their ease of use and minimal scarring potential, allergic reactions such as itching and rashes can happen.

Steri-Strips: These adhesive strips can be a less reactive alternative to Dermabond. They work by approximating the edges of the skin like a glue but are generally gentler on the skin.

Skin Glue Alternatives: While Dermabond is the most well-known, there may be other skin adhesives available that don’t contain the same allergens, though this varies between products and surgeons' preferences.

Medication to Prevent Allergic Reactions:
Unfortunately, taking an antibiotic wouldn’t prevent an allergic reaction to Dermabond or Dermaglue. Allergic reactions are due to the body's immune response to the adhesive, not an infection, so antibiotics wouldn’t address the issue. In some cases, a surgeon might prescribe a topical steroid or antihistamine to reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction if they are mild, but this wouldn't prevent the reaction itself.

What You Can Do:
Discuss Alternatives with Your Surgeon: Since you already know you react to Dermabond, it’s important to have a detailed conversation with your surgeon about alternative closure methods that will suit your specific skin sensitivities.
Patch Testing: If you're unsure whether you might be allergic to other adhesives or materials, patch testing can help identify potential allergens before surgery.
Your surgeon will be able to work with you to find the best option that minimizes both scarring and discomfort. Make sure they’re aware of your allergy so they can tailor the procedure to your needs!

One alternative is skin tape, such as steri strips. However, these are often more reactive than the dermabond in terms of periwound inflammation. You could also utilize interrupted sutures rather than subcutaneous/subcuticular sutures. While these may decrease inflammation around the wound, they can lead to marks where the sutures came through the skin, otherwise known as railroad tracking.

Hello Ronnie-- based on your 1 picture, looks like you have a cutaneous reaction/contact dermatitis to the glue and thus an adhesive allergy. Usually patients in my practice who exhibit this or relate a history of adhesive allergies, I'm reluctant to use additional glue type closures (dermabond, Prineo, Xofin, etc). The reaction can get more intense and profound with each additional use. Usually steroids, both topically and oral along with Benadryl will help with the allergic type reaction, but there can be some skin changes that occur that may be permanent if it is not discontinued and removed from . You should really avoid these type of products on your skin given the type of reaction you exhibit. Talk to your plastic surgeon about your alternatives prior to surgery. Good luck!

Yes, there are alternatives to Dermabond (also known as surgical glue or skin adhesive) for closing surgical incisions. Surgeons have various options for closing wounds based on the nature of the incision, the depth, and the individual patient's needs.

Some alternatives to Dermabond include:

Sutures (Stitches): Traditional sutures are one of the most commonly used methods for closing surgical incisions. They come in different types, such as absorbable or non-absorbable, and can be used on various parts of the body.

Surgical Staples: Staples are often used for closing larger incisions or wounds and can provide secure closure. They're commonly used in abdominal surgeries and can be removed after the incision has healed.

Steri-Strips: These are thin adhesive strips that are applied over the incision to help support the wound edges and minimize scarring. They are often used in conjunction with sutures or as an alternative for smaller incisions.

Dissolvable Stitches: These stitches are made of materials that gradually dissolve over time and do not require removal.

Wound Closure Tapes: Similar to Steri-Strips, wound closure tapes are adhesive strips applied over the incision to support wound healing and minimize tension on the skin.

The choice of closure method depends on various factors, including the type and location of the incision, the patient's skin type, the surgeon's preference, and the expected healing process. Your surgeon will select the most appropriate method for closing your incisions based on these factors to promote optimal healing and minimize scarring.

Thank you for your question and the photo. I would probably use steristrips without any adhesive such as mastisol in your case. Skin glue is not essential and certainly not worth risking a poor scar and healing. I also now use Brijjits to close the TT and vertical breast scars and they have worked amazingly well. Best of Luck!

Dear Ronnie V,
in case of tummy tuck, you'll need stitches in order to keep the wound closed until it heals. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thanks for your inquiry, if you were my patient I would place Bactroban ointment on the incisions instead of Dermabond. Your allergy is more common than you may think, best of luck.

After removal of your excess skin, you could request your surgeon use a deep layer of sutures plus staples, which you said have given you a non complicated, well healed wound in the past. There is no requirement to use Dermabond or any skin adhesive. This should alleviate the rashes and reactions that you were having. Antibiotics would not help prevent or treat the reaction you are having to the Dermabond as it appears to be an allergic reaction. Best wishes.

The question is what type of lift are you undergoing? If you are undergoing a vertical scar technique then that scar tends to widen no matter how it is done. I recommend an alternative technique called The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. The first step is to eliminate the vertical scar and secondly the plastic surgeon usually uses multiple layer closures and can use steri-strips, they do not need dermabond.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

No, you are allergic to the glue, so more glue will not be helpful. Your surgeon can place pull out stitches is needed for the final skin closure.