I have read that glue is used during facelifts in order to reduce hematomas. Is this true, and how does this work?
Answer:
Fibrin glue is a glue-like substance that is produced from proteins that induce, or start, the coagulation cascade. Fibrin glue has been used in many surgical subspecialties for many years with very good results. In plastic surgery, it is commonly used for face-lifts. During the facelift procedure, the skin is elevated off the deeper tissues. The deeper tissues and muscles are worked on, and then the skin is laid back down. It is at this step that the fibrin glue is sprayed on. It acts to speed up the coagulation. By doing this, the amount of blood that can collect under the skin is minimized. This help to promote a faster recovery with decreased swelling.
Posted by Dr. Bustillo