Surgical glue, also known as tissue adhesive, is a sterile liquid adhesive used by medical professionals to close wounds, lacerations, or surgical incisions. It serves as an alternative to traditional stitches or staples, forming a protective film that holds the edges of the skin together while the body begins the natural healing process. This method offers a rapid, relatively painless form of closure.
How Surgical Glue Works and Comes Off
Surgical glue is made from cyanoacrylate compounds. When the liquid adhesive makes contact with the moisture on the skin’s surface, a chemical reaction called polymerization occurs rapidly. This process causes the liquid to harden into a flexible, waterproof film that seals the wound and provides a microbial barrier against external contaminants.
The glue naturally detaches because it only bonds to the outermost layer of dead skin cells, known as the stratum corneum. The body constantly renews these cells through a process called desquamation or cell turnover. As the stratum corneum cells are naturally shed, the bonded surgical glue is carried away, causing it to peel and flake off.
The Typical Timeline and Factors Affecting Duration
The timeline for surgical glue detachment varies among individuals, but it generally remains intact long enough for the underlying wound to gain initial strength. Most patients can expect the adhesive film to begin peeling and flake off spontaneously within a range of 5 to 14 days. For larger surgical incisions or areas where a thicker layer of glue was applied, the full shedding process can sometimes extend up to three or four weeks.
The location of the wound plays a significant role in how quickly the glue separates from the skin. Areas subject to high levels of movement, friction, or stretching, such as joints or the hands, will shed the glue faster. This constant mechanical stress causes the glue’s edges to lift and detach sooner than on static areas like the torso or forehead.
External factors related to patient activity and care can accelerate the breakdown of the adhesive. Frequent or prolonged exposure to water, such as soaking in a bath or swimming, hastens the glue’s disintegration. Scrubbing or excessive rubbing during cleansing also speeds up the shedding process. The natural rate of skin cell regeneration, which varies by age and overall health, also determines the speed at which the stratum corneum is replaced, affecting the glue’s lifespan.
Managing the Area Until the Glue Naturally Falls Away
While the surgical glue is in place, the most important instruction is to allow it to fall off completely on its own. Patients should resist the urge to pick, scratch, or forcefully peel the adhesive, even if the edges begin to lift or fray. Premature removal risks pulling the wound edges apart before they have fully healed, which can interfere with the final cosmetic outcome.
When cleansing the area, gentle care is required to maintain the integrity of the glue. Although brief, light showering is generally permitted after the first 24 to 48 hours, soaking the wound in baths, hot tubs, or pools should be avoided. After the area gets wet, softly pat it dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing it.
A variety of common topical products can cause the surgical glue to soften and dissolve prematurely, so they must be avoided near the site. This includes all petroleum-based ointments, creams, lotions, and any products containing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals break down the adhesive bond, potentially exposing the healing wound too early.
It is important to monitor the wound for signs of complications while the glue is present. Patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they notice signs of potential infection.
Signs of Infection
Potential signs of infection that require medical attention include:
- Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the incision site.
- Excessive drainage.
- Persistent pain.
- A foul odor.
- The development of a fever.