I'm having a lock & glue Tummy tuck but I still don't understand the glue and worry that one day it will come unstuck! Thoughts?

Question

Marc Pacifico, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Many thanks for posting your question.The glue refers to an adhesive that is used to try to minimise the development of a seroma (fluid collection) in the abdomen after surgery.There is nothing to worry about regarding the glue coming unstuck one day, as its effects are only temporary anyway. Soon the body's natural scar tissue takes over the work of the glue and internal stitches (the "lock").At the end of the day, the glue and lock are colloquial terms for a concept known as "quilting" and "eliminating the dead space" in plastic surgery speak. I hope this puts your mind at rest!Good luck with your procedure.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The use of tissue #glue is to adhere the abdominal #skin to the #muscle. It is a new option and alternative to sutures in a tummy tuck. If you see a plastic #surgeon who uses drains, or if your situation requires drains, they usually stay in 3-5 days. However, they may be required to remain in longer than that. Your board-certified plastic surgeon should be recommending the surgical techniques best suited for you. Most importantly, communication  and asking questions of your surgeon and the staff are key.

Daniel M. Calloway, MD · Answer

The lock and glue tummy tuck refers to the use of tissue glue and internal sutures designed to reduce and eliminate the usual "dead space" that exists between the abdominal wall muscles and the overlying skin and soft tissues.  This space is created when the tissues are separated in order to repair the underlying muscles and to remove the extra skin and fatty tissue of the abdomen.The sutures and glue dissolve during healing and cannot come "unstuck".The primary advantage of this technique is the ability to avoid use of drains.However, many surgeons use postoperative pain pumps to "numb" the abdominal wall after surgery and to keep it numb with continuous infusion of local anesthetic.  This usually requires the use of drains to remove any excess local anesthesia which may not absorb into the tissues.Good luck with your surgery!

I'm having a lock & glue Tummy tuck but I still don't understand the glue and worry that one day it will come unstuck! Thoughts?

Answers (3)

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I'm having a lock & glue Tummy tuck but I still don't understand the glue and worry that one day it will come unstuck! Thoughts?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.