Surgical glue, also known as tissue adhesive, offers an alternative to traditional sutures or staples for closing the skin’s surface after an operation or injury. This specialized medical product holds the edges of a surgical incision together until the body’s natural healing process creates a seal beneath the skin. Understanding the adhesive mechanism and the expected healing timeline helps set proper patient expectations. This guide details how the glue functions, the typical recovery period, and necessary post-operative care steps.
How Surgical Adhesives Work
Surgical adhesives are typically composed of cyanoacrylate monomers, which are specialized liquid compounds. When the liquid glue is applied to the skin, it comes into contact with the moisture, or even small amounts of blood, on the surface of the wound. This contact triggers a chemical reaction called polymerization, which causes the liquid to harden rapidly into a strong, flexible film within about a minute.
The resulting layer acts as a temporary splint across the incision, keeping the skin edges closely approximated to promote optimal healing. This film serves as a physical barrier against external bacteria and water. While the hardened adhesive prevents microbial penetration, it is formulated to allow water vapor to escape, maintaining an ideal environment for wound healing underneath. The glue holds the outermost layer of skin together until the underlying tissue has sealed itself.
The Expected Healing Timeline
The healing process for a glued incision begins immediately, but the timeline for the glue’s presence has two distinct phases. The initial seal is generally secure enough to protect the wound within the first 24 to 48 hours after application. This rapid setting time allows many patients to transition to gentle showering relatively quickly, depending on their surgeon’s specific instructions.
The second phase is the natural shedding of the adhesive, which typically occurs between 5 to 10 days after the procedure. The glue naturally peels, flakes, or falls off as the outer layer of skin, to which it is bonded, renews and sheds. The exact duration depends on the location of the incision, the thickness of the glue application, and the amount of friction or tension the area experiences.
Once the adhesive has completely shed, the superficial skin layer is generally strong enough to be exposed without external support. While the surface is closed, the deeper tissues continue to strengthen and remodel for many weeks or months. The final appearance of the scar will continue to mature for up to two years.
Post-Operative Care and Signs of Concern
Proper post-operative care is fundamental to ensure the adhesive remains intact for the full duration of surface healing. Patients should avoid rubbing, scratching, or picking at the adhesive film, as premature removal risks reopening the incision before it has sealed properly. Avoid applying any ointments, lotions, creams, or petroleum-based products directly to the incision, as these substances can chemically weaken the glue and cause it to peel off too early.
While the skin may be gently cleaned after the initial 24 to 48 hours, submerging the incision in water, such as in a bath, hot tub, or swimming pool, is prohibited until the glue has completely fallen off. When showering, water should run gently over the area, and the incision must be patted dry immediately afterward with a clean, soft towel. Protecting the incision from friction, such as from tight clothing, and shielding it from direct sun exposure are important for the best cosmetic outcome.
Patients should monitor the incision daily for any indications that the healing process is being compromised. Signs of infection include increasing pain not relieved by medication, a spreading area of redness or warmth around the incision, or a fever. The presence of pus, a foul odor, or red streaks extending away from the wound are clear signals that medical attention is needed.
A significant concern for any glued wound is dehiscence, which occurs when the wound edges pull apart before the underlying tissue has fully closed. If the incision edges separate, or if a significant amount of clear or bloody drainage is noted, the medical team should be contacted immediately. Although rare, studies indicate that dehiscence occurs in about 4% of wounds closed with glue, making vigilance important for patient safety.