Surgical glue is a medical-grade substance used to close wounds and incisions. It bonds skin edges, promoting healing without traditional stitches or staples. It forms a protective film over the wound, which also acts as a barrier against bacteria. Surgical glue is often chosen for its fast application, ability to reduce scarring, and the convenience of not requiring removal appointments.
Why Premature Removal Is Not Recommended
Peeling or picking at surgical glue before it naturally detaches is strongly discouraged due to several risks to healing. The glue provides a secure bond, holding wound edges together for proper tissue mending. Disrupting this bond prematurely can pull apart the healing layers of skin, potentially reopening the incision, a condition known as dehiscence. This can lead to delayed healing and may necessitate additional medical intervention.
Removing the glue too early also compromises the wound’s protective barrier, increasing the risk of infection by exposing the vulnerable healing tissue to external contaminants. Furthermore, interfering with the natural shedding process can result in increased scarring, as the skin’s regeneration is disturbed. The glue sheds naturally as new skin forms, typically taking 5 to 10 days, but sometimes up to two or three weeks depending on the wound location and individual healing factors. This natural detachment indicates the wound has achieved sufficient strength.
Caring for Your Incision and When to Contact a Doctor
Proper care for an incision covered with surgical glue involves gentle handling to support natural healing. For the first 24 to 48 hours, it is generally advised to keep the incision dry. After this initial period, showering is often permitted, but direct scrubbing or rubbing of the glued area should be avoided; instead, allow soapy water to gently run over the wound and then pat it dry with a clean towel. Soaking the incision in baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools is not recommended until the glue has completely fallen off, as prolonged moisture can cause the adhesive to soften and detach prematurely.
It is also important to avoid applying lotions, creams, or ointments directly over the glue, as these products can interfere with its adhesion and cause it to come off too soon. Limiting activities that create tension on the wound, such as bending, lifting, or strenuous exercise, can help prevent the incision from reopening.
Contact a doctor if you observe any of the following:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the incision.
- Pus or foul-smelling discharge.
- Red streaks spreading from the wound.
- A fever.
- If the incision reopens or bleeds excessively.