Do all drainless tummy tucks use tissue glue along with some sutures? Or do some use just internal sutures?

Question

David J. Wages, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is rare that all plastic surgeons agree on any topic.  Most commonly the procedure uses internal sutures to hold the tissues and eliminate the space where fluid could develop.  It is common to use a topical glue to seal off the skin incisions after it has been sewn together to help protect the wounds.  Always seek a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in tummy tuck.  Good luck.

Steven Vath, MD · Answer

Hello. I have not adopted the use of tissue glue. I have been performing no drain tummy tucks for over 10 years using progressive tension sutures. In my opinion this is still the best way to minimize the open space between skin and muscle so fluid can't collect there, while also giving the best possibility for a thin scar (by taking tension off of the incision) as well as for giving the most natural-looking belly button by tacking the skin to the muscle yielding a funneling effect.

Nora Nugent, FRCSI (Plast) · Answer

Dear Luckyshiva77,
Thank you for posting your question. For a drainless tummy tuck, glue and internal sutures are used by some while internal sutures alone are used by others. In my practice, I use progressive tension sutures - intenal sutures strategically placed to advance the upper tummy skin to where I wish it to be and to close off the space created by the surgery.  I do not use glue and have not needed to to date. However, there is no right or wrong answer here, simply surgeon preference. Either technique is very acceptable and achieves good results in the vast majority of patients.
Hope this was helpful.
Best wishes

Genevieve F. Caron, MD · Answer

Thank you for your good question!
Drainless abdominoplasty can or cannot use glue. Personally I use progressive tension sutures only to eliminate the dead space where the liquid can accumulate. The use of the glue is optional, however draineless abdominoplasty need many many tension sutures and not just a few.
Please consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon!
Best Wishes
Dr Genevieve FCaron, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Montreal. Canada

Scott Thellman, MD · Answer

Most drainless tummy tucks use internal sutures to close off the space that normally would need a drain, making the drain unnecessary.  The addition of tissue glue is done by some surgeons although many surgeons, myself included, have found this is not really needed.  If your surgeon is getting good results with minimal complications I would go with whatever technique (glue or no glue) that is working best for them.

Do all drainless tummy tucks use tissue glue along with some sutures? Or do some use just internal sutures?

Answers (8)

Answer: A: Drainless abdominoplasty

Answer: A: Drainless abdominoplasty

Answer: Drainless Tummy Tuck

Answer: Drainless Tummy Tuck

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Everything you need to know about Drainless Tummy Tuck

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Do all drainless tummy tucks use tissue glue along with some sutures? Or do some use just internal sutures?

Answers (8)

Answer: A: Drainless abdominoplasty

Answer: A: Drainless abdominoplasty

Answer: Drainless Tummy Tuck

Answer: Drainless Tummy Tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Drainless Tummy Tuck

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