Facial Cosmetic Surgery Success Lifted by Glue Use

The history of fibrin glue goes as far back as World War 1, when medical personnel used the adhesive to help stem significant blood loss in injured soldiers. During recent years fibrin glue has found its way into countless operating suites as a valuable substitute for traditional sutures used in surgeries of various types. The adhesive has been approved by the FDA for use in surgery for colostomy patients, cardio-pulmonary bypass and splene surgery. Now in a study in a PRNewswire release fibrin glue has made its way into the cosmetic surgery business. The study done by doctors in Beverly Hills, California have stated that the use of fibrin glue in facial surgery including face lifts, has many beneficial side effects compared to traditional procedures using sutures or staples.

Dr. Davis B. Nguyen M.D. and Dr. Frank M. Kamer M.D. of the respected Lasky Clinic, followed 200 patients in their offices in Beverly Hills, California after face-lift surgery. The study was done by following 100 patients after receiving facial surgery using fibrin glue as an adherent. The amount and quality of healing time was closely observed and measured. The other study group received traditional forms of having either staples or sutures applied after receiving the face lifts. All patients had the same surgeon and had the same kind of technique used.The technique that the physician used is called a "deep plane" procedure which involves repositioning large flaps of skin over multiple levels on the face. Healing and side effects were evaluated at 24 hours, 48 hours, 1 week, 1 month, nd 3 months post operative.

The study found that use of the glue resulted in several significant benefits in short and long term healing processes. The physicians found that drainage tubes that can cause significant discomfort following the surgery were usually no longer needed. The tubes are paced under the skin following surgery to help drain excess fluid, especially blood from the surgery site and to help aide in the prevention of swelling.

The fibrin glue is applied before the skin flap is sealed. It was also found to help reduce or eliminate some sever complications such as hematomas, seromas, or even death. None of the patients who received the fibrin glue suffered from prolonged swelling, discoloration or hardness of the surgery site, compared to 22% who had standard treatment.

Fibrin glue has been used throughout Europe for cosmetic purposes for years, but has been much less accepted in the United States. Fibrin glue is made from sequestrated autologous plasma which contains high fibrin content. It is a pasty substance which is applied directly to a wound or surgery site. It then forms a mesh or homeostatic plug or clot over the wound. Once fibrin glue is absorbed into the tissue it actually becomes that tissue.

Dr. Nguyen is certified in Facial Plastics and Otolaryngology and practices in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Nguyen is also an instructor at U.S.C. School of Medicine.

Sources used in this article are as follows: http://prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-28-2007/0004672128&EDATE=