Surgical Glue

Your wound has been closed with surgical or skin glue. This specialized medical adhesive is designed to close surgical wounds and can be used on its own or with underlying stitches. Applied in its liquid form, the substance will harden into a protective waterproof film that enhances healing from underneath. The film usually remains in place for 5 to 10 days, before naturally falling off. The film’s overall appearance can best be described as resembling a dry scab and should be treated as such – NO PICKING!

WOUND CARE INSTRUCTIONS

  • Leave the original bandage in place and keep dry for first 24-48 hours.
  • On the day after surgery, wait until nighttime before showering (i.e. after >24 hours). At this time you may resume most normal grooming activities.
  • When bathing, you should minimize excessive wetting of the area, and do NOT allow soap to come in contact. No soaking or scrubbing at any time!
  • After showering or bathing, gently blot your wound dry with a clean towel, gauze, or tissue.
  • You may cover the wound with non-stick gauze and paper tape (nude or flesh-colored typically preferred for appearance). Do not apply sticky bandages or adhesives directly over the film.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning lamps.
  • Minimize physical exercise for ~1 week. Avoid activities that pull or stretch the wound in any direction.

**Do NOT apply topical medications or other products while the film is in place**

(so NO antibiotic ointment, Neosporin, Vaseline, Aquaphor, etc)

OTHER TIPS / RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Once the film is removed, you should begin basic wound care with Aquaphor and bandaging. Gently cleanse the area and change your bandages daily (with Aquaphor). Repeat this until a new layer of skin has fully formed over your wound (usually ~2 weeks after surgery).
  • Bruising may appear 1-3 days after your surgery and is expected to resolve within 1-3 weeks. For procedures on the face, swelling and bruising may be most significant around the eyes (i.e. black eyes, swollen shut). This is common and should not be considered worrisome. To minimize/prevent this from occurring, avoid bending over and try sleeping with 2+ pillows for elevation. 
  • For pain/discomfort, we recommend taking 1 regular strength Tylenol (acetaminophen) + 2 Advil (ibuprofen) every 4-6 hours unless otherwise instructed. Please let us know of any medical conditions that prohibit your use of such medications, including stomach ulcers, liver disease, kidney disease, etc. For additional or alternative relief, you may apply ice or cold compression for 15 minutes of every hour.   
  • For bleeding, apply firm continuous pressure for 10 minutes without lifting (no peaking!). If this fails to resolve the issue, apply an ice pack under continuous pressure and/or contact our office immediately.

The results from your tissue pathology should return in 1-2 weeks, and you will be notified via telephone at that time. If you have not been contacted after 14 days, please call during normal business hours.