HealthCert Blog

Glue vs Sutures: What makes the better scar?

Written by HealthCert Education | Oct 8, 2025 1:50:07 AM

In this episode of Life by A Thousand Cuts podcast, A/Prof Tony Dicker takes a closer look at a new study comparing wound closures using glue versus sutures on the trunk and limbs.

The research, published in Dermatologic Surgery, followed patients for 12 months to see which method produced the better scar. The findings might surprise you, and could change how you think about surface closures in your own practice.

A/Prof Dicker unpacks the study design, discusses what the results really mean for doctors treating skin cancers, and reflects on how factors like tissue reactivity, closure technique, and anatomical site can all influence cosmetic outcomes.

Tune in to hear his take on when glue might have an edge, what to watch for in your own closures, and why even small technique choices can make a difference over time.

Listen to the podcast

 

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Helpful resources

Read the PubMed summary of the study discussed in this episode.

 

Life by a Thousand Cuts 

This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists.

 

Next steps in your learning journey

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Or explore more educational content in Skin Cancer Surgery.

 

About A/Prof Tony Dicker

Associate Professor (Skin Cancer) & Course Coordinator MMed (Skin Cancer), The University of Queensland

Tony Dicker has practised full-time Skin Cancer Medicine in Melbourne since 2004, and previously practised in Brisbane. He obtained his PhD from The University of Queensland in molecular biology of skin cancer with Professor Ian Frazer's group at Princess Alexandra Hospital. He then spent three years as a dermatology registrar at the Royal Brisbane and Princess Alexandra Hospitals.

 

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