Adhesive Strips vs Sutures for Facial Cuts

Overseen By Jeffry Nahmias, M.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, Irvine

Disqualifiers: Under 18, Pregnant, Incarcerated

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: Immediate

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests two methods for fixing small facial cuts: adhesive strips and sutures (stitches). The goal is to determine if adhesive strips provide better cosmetic results and higher patient satisfaction than traditional sutures. It is ideal for adults with simple facial cuts less than 2.5 centimeters long. Participants will join one of two groups: one group will receive adhesive strips, and the other will receive sutures for wound repair. The study aims to discover which method makes healing more comfortable and results in a more aesthetically pleasing scar. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to valuable research that could enhance future treatment options for facial cuts.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to consult with the trial coordinators or your doctor for guidance.

What prior data suggests that these laceration repair techniques are safe for facial cuts?

Previous studies have shown that adhesive strips have a low infection rate of about 1% when used to close wounds, with few cases requiring further surgery. This suggests they are generally safe for treating facial cuts. They also tend to provide good cosmetic results, similar to methods like skin glue, though there may be a slightly higher chance of the wound reopening.

Sutures also have a low infection rate, especially when used with antibiotic ointment. They are a common and well-understood method for closing wounds and have been used successfully for many years. Some studies suggest that sutures result in similar cosmetic outcomes to other methods.

Overall, both adhesive strips and sutures are considered safe options for treating facial cuts, with no major safety concerns reported in the studies. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these treatments for facial lacerations because they offer different approaches to repair. Adhesive strips are unique because they provide a non-invasive, needle-free method for closing cuts, which can be especially appealing for those who are anxious about needles or scarring. This method might also reduce the time spent in treatment, as applying strips can be quicker than suturing. Sutures, on the other hand, remain the go-to for deeper or more complex cuts, offering a strong, precise closure. This trial aims to find out if adhesive strips can match or even exceed the effectiveness of sutures in certain situations, potentially giving patients more options for care.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for facial cuts?

This trial will compare two methods for repairing facial lacerations: adhesive strips and sutures. Research has shown that both adhesive strips and stitches effectively close facial cuts with good cosmetic results. Studies have found that adhesive strips can match stitches in appearance, while being easier to apply and less painful. This ease might lead to fewer complications and higher patient satisfaction. However, stitches may better maintain wound closure, which is crucial for healing. Both methods offer benefits, so the choice often depends on the wound's specific needs and patient preference. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jeffry Nahmias, MD

Principal Investigator

University of California, Irvine

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with simple facial lacerations who are seeking repair methods that could potentially offer better cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction. The study does not specify any particular inclusion or exclusion criteria, suggesting it may be open to a broad demographic of patients with this condition.

Inclusion Criteria

I am an adult with a small facial cut less than 2.5 cm needing repair.

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnant females

Incarcerated individuals

I am under 18 years old.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either adhesive strip or suture repair for facial lacerations

Immediate

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for satisfaction, pain, and cosmetic outcomes after treatment

8 weeks

1 follow-up contact (phone/email)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Laceration repair with adhesive strips
• Laceration repair with sutures

Trial Overview The trial is testing the effectiveness of adhesive strips versus sutures in repairing simple facial cuts. It aims to determine which method leads to higher patient satisfaction and superior cosmetic results after healing.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Suture strip repair Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

In this arm, patients will have their facial laceration properly cleaned and repaired with sutures of any material.

Group II: Adhesive strip repair Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

In this arm, patients will have their facial laceration properly cleaned and repaired with adhesive strips.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Irvine

Lead Sponsor

Trials

580

Recruited

4,943,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7907595/

A Prospective Controlled Study on Long-Term Outcomes of ... Both modalities of wound closure yield favorable esthetic results, and complications are rare. Adhesives are more cost-effective, and its application is less ...

2. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/pec-online/fulltext/2022/10000/cosmetic_outcomes_of_simple_pediatric_facial.1.aspx

Cosmetic Outcomes of Simple Pediatric Facial Lacerations... Comparisons between tissue adhesives and adhesive strips for wound closure have showed similar effectiveness and cosmetic outcomes.1–5 Although most studies ...

3. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/8415972_Randomized_Controlled_Comparison_of_Cosmetic_Outcomes_of_Simple_Facial_Lacerations_Closed_With_Steri_Strip_Skin_Closures_or_Dermabond_Tissue_Adhesive

Randomized Controlled Comparison of Cosmetic ... While the cosmetic result is better than simple suturing, there is a higher rate of wound dehiscence after using tissue adhesives [2] .

4. cdn.clinicaltrials.gov cdn.clinicaltrials.gov/large-docs/28/NCT03280628/Prot_SAP_000.pdf

A randomized controlled trial comparing cosmetic ... “Prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing a tissue adhesive. (Dermabond™) with adhesive strips (Steri-Strips™) for the closure of ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4982140/

Effect of Adhesive Strips and Dermal Sutures vs ... Although applying adhesive strips to a wound closure has been shown to have outcomes equivalent to those with cuticular suturing, it is unknown whether adhesive ...

6. aafp.org aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/0515/p628.html

Laceration Repair: A Practical Approach One study found the same cosmetic outcomes with adhesive strips vs. tissue adhesive when used to repair facial lacerations. Laceration Aftercare.