Ask Dr. Man- Body Glue

Dear Dr. Man, My sister-in-law keeps bragging about this glue her plastic surgeon used on her to quicken the healing after her facelift. I’m thinking of having some work done and am very interested in anything that shortens the healing time, but I’ve never heard of this before. Can you tell me more about this? Signed, Roberta in Boca Raton

Dear Roberta, Your sister-in-law is most likely referring to something called Body Glue, which is a new technique that provides patients with the latest technology to enhance and shorten the time their body needs to heal itself after cosmetic surgery. By using a small amount of your own blood, the doctor can produce a glue-like gel that, when applied properly, can increase wound healing and decrease the amount of bruising and swelling traditionally associated with various cosmetic surgery procedures.

Body Glue is produced while you are in surgery. The Body Glue process is very simple and pain free. Once you are in the operating room, a small amount of your blood is drawn and processed to release the human growth factors. Since these growth factors are derived from your own blood, there is no chance of transmitted infection or rejection by the body. The blood is then separated into its various components, which concentrates and releases the growth and healing factors, thus producing the glue-like Body Glue gel. It takes only minutes to make the Body Glue gel during your surgery. When your surgery is nearly complete, the Body Glue gel is applied to the area of the surgery. The Body Glue technique can help facilitate the healing process and ensure the best results.

Body Glue works by helping to speed the body's healing process. It does this in several ways, such as: increasing collagen production; improving the growth of new blood vessels; reducing swelling; and improving soft tissue wound healing.

Currently Body Glue is being used on patients undergoing face lifts, brow lifts, neck lifts, breast enlargements, breast reductions and tummy tucks. Body Glue has also proven quite successful in other surgical procedures, such as treating dog bites.

Talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon to see which treatment options are right for you. Good luck!

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Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.