Abdominoplasty with progressive tension closure using a barbed suture technique
Jeremy P Warner1, Karol A Gutowski
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA. jpwmd1@gmail.com
Aesthetic Surgery Journal
|July 18, 2009
Summary
This study shows that using barbed sutures for progressive tension closure in abdominoplasty significantly reduces operative time while maintaining the benefits of the original technique, with minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Surgical Techniques
- Abdominoplasty
Background:
- Abdominoplasty carries risks of seroma and skin necrosis.
- The progressive tension suture technique is a known preventative method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a modified progressive tension suture technique using Quill barbed sutures.
- To determine if this modification can achieve the original technique's benefits in less time.
Main Methods:
- A modified technique using Quill barbed sutures for abdominoplasty flap plication.
- A running suture technique creating progressive tension with minimal incision line stress.
- Analysis of data from 58 patients, focusing on suture insertion time and complication rates (seroma, hematoma, skin necrosis).
Main Results:
- Marked reduction in operative time for the modified technique.
- Average suture insertion time of nine minutes for the entire abdominal flap.
- One seroma (resolved with aspiration), no hematomas or skin necrosis reported.
Conclusions:
- Barbed sutures offer a safe and effective modification for progressive tension closure in abdominoplasty.
- This technique considerably reduces operative time.
- All benefits of the original progressive tension suture technique are retained.