I need to decide between two surgeons I really like. One uses PTS and the other doesn't. My gut tells me PTS is better and will result in a better scar but I can't find a single study that supports this with real data. I'm not having abdominal lipo but require full undermining of the upper abdominal skin due to the extent of skin laxity. Who would you choose if you were having this surgery (all else being equal)?
Answer: Progressive tension sutures for abdominoplasty Hello, some time ago I transitioned to using progressive tension sutures for most cases, with the goal of closing the abdominal wound space and not needing to insert drains. I have been extremely pleased with the results and rarely do the procedure the previous way. That stated, I also had good outcomes when drains were used. I was simply worried about drain site infections, and my patients found them inconvenient. Even when progressive tension sutures are used bleeding, seroma (fluid collections), and poor scars can occur so no operation can completely eliminate these problems. Overall I do prefer the progressive tension suture / "drainless tummy tuck" operation.
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Answer: Progressive tension sutures for abdominoplasty Hello, some time ago I transitioned to using progressive tension sutures for most cases, with the goal of closing the abdominal wound space and not needing to insert drains. I have been extremely pleased with the results and rarely do the procedure the previous way. That stated, I also had good outcomes when drains were used. I was simply worried about drain site infections, and my patients found them inconvenient. Even when progressive tension sutures are used bleeding, seroma (fluid collections), and poor scars can occur so no operation can completely eliminate these problems. Overall I do prefer the progressive tension suture / "drainless tummy tuck" operation.
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Answer: Progressive tension sutures and tummy tuck without drains Thank you for your question. I do not believe progressive tension sutures and have any long-term benefit for patients. The only short-term benefit is elimination of drains doing the procedure. I only perform this technique when specifically requested. I do explain to patients that edema and swelling in the persists longer than when drains are used.
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Answer: Progressive tension sutures and tummy tuck without drains Thank you for your question. I do not believe progressive tension sutures and have any long-term benefit for patients. The only short-term benefit is elimination of drains doing the procedure. I only perform this technique when specifically requested. I do explain to patients that edema and swelling in the persists longer than when drains are used.
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June 8, 2015
Answer: Tummy tuck technique Techniques for abdominoplasty vary among surgeons, depending on their training and experience. If progressive tension suturing consistently provided patients with better results, then every plastic surgeon would use it. I believe that in the right hands, either technique can provide patients with very good results. You are correct in that there are no studies that overwhelmingly demonstrate that one particular technique is superior. My suggestion is to discuss your concerns with each surgeon. You can also review the results of other patients that they have operated on. I would go with the surgeon that you feel most comfortable with, and not base your decision on the technical aspects of the procedure.
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June 8, 2015
Answer: Tummy tuck technique Techniques for abdominoplasty vary among surgeons, depending on their training and experience. If progressive tension suturing consistently provided patients with better results, then every plastic surgeon would use it. I believe that in the right hands, either technique can provide patients with very good results. You are correct in that there are no studies that overwhelmingly demonstrate that one particular technique is superior. My suggestion is to discuss your concerns with each surgeon. You can also review the results of other patients that they have operated on. I would go with the surgeon that you feel most comfortable with, and not base your decision on the technical aspects of the procedure.
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June 6, 2015
Answer: Do progressive tension sutures really decrease complications and result in better scars in tummy tuck surgery? Thank you for the question. It is extremely common to receive different opinions from different plastic surgeons about the best way to treat a specific “problem”. Each plastic surgeon may have his/her opinion that is based on their specific/unique education, experience, and personal preferences. Their opinions may also be shaped by unfavorable results they have encountered in their practices.Although these different opinions can be confusing and a source of anxiety for patients, it is good for patients to understand the different options available. Ultimately, it will be up to each patient to do their due diligence and select their plastic surgeon. Part of this selection process will involve the patients becoming comfortable with the plastic surgeon's experience level and abilities to achieve their goals as safely and complication free as possible. In my practice, I use progressive tension sutures for most patients. I cannot prove that the use of this technique results in improvement of scars (although this is my impression). I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.
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June 6, 2015
Answer: Do progressive tension sutures really decrease complications and result in better scars in tummy tuck surgery? Thank you for the question. It is extremely common to receive different opinions from different plastic surgeons about the best way to treat a specific “problem”. Each plastic surgeon may have his/her opinion that is based on their specific/unique education, experience, and personal preferences. Their opinions may also be shaped by unfavorable results they have encountered in their practices.Although these different opinions can be confusing and a source of anxiety for patients, it is good for patients to understand the different options available. Ultimately, it will be up to each patient to do their due diligence and select their plastic surgeon. Part of this selection process will involve the patients becoming comfortable with the plastic surgeon's experience level and abilities to achieve their goals as safely and complication free as possible. In my practice, I use progressive tension sutures for most patients. I cannot prove that the use of this technique results in improvement of scars (although this is my impression). I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.
Helpful
June 6, 2015
Answer: Do progressive tension sutures help to decrease complications? Hello cas1936 and thanks for your question. There's no way to make the appropriate diagnosis online and to give you a recommendation without an examination. So this is just a guess. My personal experience is that PTS helps in most cases of tummy tuck to make the operation go better at least in my practice. The advantages are better results, reasonable scars and less seroma. This is my experience and it does not mean your operation or your chosen surgeon will have less complications. Be sure you choose a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Best, Dr. ALDO.
Helpful
June 6, 2015
Answer: Do progressive tension sutures help to decrease complications? Hello cas1936 and thanks for your question. There's no way to make the appropriate diagnosis online and to give you a recommendation without an examination. So this is just a guess. My personal experience is that PTS helps in most cases of tummy tuck to make the operation go better at least in my practice. The advantages are better results, reasonable scars and less seroma. This is my experience and it does not mean your operation or your chosen surgeon will have less complications. Be sure you choose a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Best, Dr. ALDO.
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