A Comparative Assessment of Clinical Outcomes Using Cyanoacrylate Glue versus Subcuticular Sutures in Cosmetic Procedures at a Tertiary Care Center: Evaluation Based on the Southampton Scoring System

Introduction Cosmetic surgery has advanced significantly, with wound closure techniques crucial for determining aesthetic and healing outcomes. Recently, cyanoacrylate glue and subcuticular sutures have gained attention for their unique benefits in cosmetic procedures. Cyanoacrylate glue, a non-invasive tissue adhesive, facilitates faster wound closure with minimal trauma, while subcuticular sutures offer durable, concealed closures, particularly suited for areas under mechanical stress. This study uses the Southampton scoring system to compare these techniques, evaluating clinical outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction to guide optimal wound closure methods in cosmetic surgery. Methods This prospective observational study at a tertiary care center compared wound closure outcomes using cyanoacrylate glue and subcuticular sutures in 50 patients undergoing cosmetic procedures. Patients aged 18-65 with no wound healing disorders or chronic skin conditions were included, while those with active infections, on immunosuppressive therapy, or allergic to cyanoacrylate were excluded. Patients were evenly divided into two groups: one receiving cyanoacrylate glue and the other subcuticular sutures. The same surgical team performed all procedures. Wound healing was assessed using the Southampton scoring system on days 1, 7, and 30 postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included pain (visual analog scale), healing time, and complication rates. Patient satisfaction was evaluated at the 30-day follow-up. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software, with significance set at p<0.05. Results The study evaluated 50 patients (split equally between cyanoacrylate glue and subcuticular sutures groups) undergoing cosmetic procedures, focusing on postoperative wound healing using the Southampton scoring system. On postoperative day 7, infection rates were significantly lower with cyanoacrylate glue (8% Grade 1a, 4% Grade 1c, and no Grade 2b) than with subcuticular sutures (16% Grade 1a, 12% Grade 1c, and 4% Grade 2b; p=0.000). Additionally, cyanoacrylate glue reduced operative time, with its non-invasive nature contributing to higher patient satisfaction scores. However, both techniques yielded comparable long-term cosmetic outcomes, with no significant differences in scar appearance after 30 days. Overall, each technique demonstrated unique strengths, influencing clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Conclusion The study highlights the respective benefits and limitations of cyanoacrylate glue and subcuticular sutures, offering insights to aid cosmetic surgeons in making informed decisions tailored to individual patient needs. These findings can ultimately improve short-term recovery and long-term patient satisfaction with cosmetic outcomes. The use of the Southampton scoring system facilitated a standardized evaluation, providing valuable data on the effectiveness of each wound closure method in various surgical contexts.