Scalp Laceration Closure Using Skin Glue Following Accidental Fall
Doctor’s Profile
Name
Dr. Rajeev Premnath
Specialization
General, Laparoscopic Surgeon
Qualifications
MBBS, MS (Gen Surg.), Diploma in Laparoscopy (France)
Clinic
Ramakrishna Hospitals – Jayanagar, Bengaluru
Contact
- 24 & 26, 15th Cross, 3rd Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560011
- Tel: 080-67 800 103/116
Patient Information
Presenting Complaint
Scalp laceration following accidental fall
Chief Concern
Avoidance of conventional sutures
Injury Location
Scalp (vertex region)
Setting
Clinical/outpatient procedure room
Diagnosis
Traumatic scalp laceration
Outcome
Excellent wound closed with skin glue; no sutures required
Patient identity withheld in accordance with confidentiality guidelines.
Clinical Images
The images below document the wound at presentation and the result immediately following skin glue closure.
Before: Scalp wound at presentation
After: Wound closed with skin glue
The Problem
Condition
An elderly gentleman presented following an accidental fall that resulted in a laceration to the scalp. On examination, the wound was a clean linear laceration situated over the vertex of the scalp, with well-approximated edges and no evidence of deeper structural injury. The surrounding scalp demonstrated erythema consistent with soft tissue trauma. The patient was assessed and managed using General Surgeon in Bangalore as the definitive wound closure technique.
Patient's Primary Concern
The patient expressed significant apprehension regarding the prospect of conventional suturing. His foremost concern was the avoidance of stitches, which represented a meaningful psychological barrier to his comfort and cooperation. This was acknowledged and taken into full consideration when planning the closure strategy.
Clinical Suitability for Tissue Adhesive
The laceration was found to be well-suited to closure with tissue adhesive skin glue. The wound edges were clean, without excessive tension, contamination, or significant depth requiring layered closure. The scalp’s vascularity supports rapid healing when edges are accurately approximated.
Consultation and Treatment Plan
Assessment
A focused clinical assessment was undertaken. This case was managed by Dr. Rajeev Premnath, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon, whose assessment covered:
- Wound inspection to confirm edge approximation, depth, and absence of foreign bodies or contamination
- Assessment of haemostasis to ensure active bleeding had been controlled prior to adhesive application
- Neurological screen to exclude any associated head injury requiring further investigation
- Evaluation of patient fitness and documented patient preference regarding wound closure method
- Discussion with patient regarding the skin glue technique and expected outcomes
Clinical Rationale for Skin Glue
Tissue adhesive cyanoacrylate skin glue was selected as the definitive closure method. Dr. Rajeev Premnath’s practice offers dedicated Skin Glue Services in Jayanagar, Bangalore for patients seeking a suture-free wound closure experience. The decision in this case was supported by:
- The wound characteristics clean edges, manageable length, absence of excessive tension — were entirely appropriate for adhesive closure
- Skin glue achieves wound apposition without needle punctures, suture material, or a removal visit, directly addressing the patient’s concern
- The technique provides a flexible, moisture-resistant barrier supporting primary healing while allowing normal hygiene routines
- Application is rapid and well-tolerated without local anaesthetic infiltration in appropriately selected wounds
- Cosmetic outcome with tissue adhesive is comparable to fine suture closure in superficial lacerations with well-approximated edges
Procedure Details
Wound Management Overview
- Wound irrigated thoroughly with normal saline to ensure freedom from debris or contamination
- Haemostasis confirmed; wound edges dried gently prior to application
- Wound edges manually approximated and held firmly in position
- Tissue adhesive skin glue applied in a controlled thin layer along the wound surface, with care to avoid ingress into the wound itself
- Glue allowed to cure with edges maintained in apposition throughout the setting period
- Result inspected to confirm complete, accurate closure with no gaping, step-off, or wound edge inversion
Procedure Summary
| Wound Type | Linear scalp laceration |
| Closure Method | Tissue adhesive cyanoacrylate skin glue |
| Anaesthesia | Not required |
| Sutures Used | None |
| Duration | Short outpatient procedure |
| Intraoperative Complications | None |
| Discharge | Same visit; no admission required |
Post-Procedure Results
The wound was closed accurately and completely with tissue adhesive, achieving excellent edge apposition. The patient was reassured throughout and expressed clear relief at the absence of conventional sutures. No removal appointment was required. This outcome reflects the consistent results seen across Dr. Rajeev Premnath’s case studies in minimally disruptive wound and surgical management.
| Outcome Metric | Result |
| Wound Closure | ✔ Complete and accurate closure achieved |
| Suture Requirement | ✔ None no conventional suturing required |
| Patient Comfort | ✔ Procedure well-tolerated; patient fully reassured |
| Wound Appearance | ✔ Clean linear closure; no gaping or step-off |
| Complications | ✔ None no bleeding, infection, or wound breakdown |
| Discharge | ✔ Same visit; no follow-up for removal required |
| Patient Satisfaction | ✔ Very high primary concern fully addressed |
Post-Procedure Care and Recovery
Keep the wound dry for the first 24 to 48 hours; gentle cleansing permitted thereafter
The adhesive film will detach naturally as healing progresses, typically within five to ten days; do not pick or peel it
Avoid submerging the wound or exposing it to prolonged moisture in the early healing phase
Inspect the wound daily for early signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge
Return promptly if the wound reopens, adhesive separates prematurely, or any signs of infection develop
No dressing required in most cases; a light protective covering may be applied if preferred
Why Skin Glue Is an Effective Alternative to Sutures
Tissue adhesive wound closure has an established evidence base in emergency and elective wound management. For a thorough clinical comparison, see Skin Glue vs Stitches for Wound Closure: Which Heals Better?. Key clinical advantages of tissue adhesive include:
Elimination of needle-associated pain and anxiety of particular relevance in patients with significant apprehension or needle phobia
Comparable tensile strength to fine interrupted sutures in superficial wounds without high closing tension
Formation of a waterproof, flexible film barrier that reduces risk of external contamination during healing
No requirement for suture removal, reducing burden on both patient and clinical team
Rapid application without local anaesthetic infiltration in cooperative, appropriately selected patients
Suitable across a range of wound locations, including the scalp, where cosmesis and ease of care are important
The same commitment to minimally disruptive technique underpins the practice’s surgical work — as demonstrated in the single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy case study, where tissue adhesive skin glue was used for wound closure after surgery, avoiding any external suture line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is skin glue as effective as sutures for scalp lacerations?
In appropriately selected wounds those with clean, well-approximated edges and without excessive tension — tissue adhesive achieves outcomes comparable to conventional sutures. Patient experience is typically more comfortable, and no removal visit is required.
How long does skin glue take to work?
The adhesive cures within seconds to minutes of application. The wound should be held in apposition until the glue has set. The film remains adherent and protective for approximately five to ten days, after which it detaches naturally as healing progresses.
Can the patient wash their hair after skin glue closure?
Gentle cleansing is generally permitted after the initial 24 to 48 hours. Prolonged soaking or vigorous scrubbing over the wound should be avoided until the adhesive has detached naturally and healing is well established.
When should a patient return for review?
Patients should return promptly if they notice early signs of infection, if the wound reopens, or if the adhesive film separates prematurely. Routine follow-up may be advised depending on the clinical context.