Progressive tension sutures in abdominoplasty: a review of 597 consecutive cases.

[BACKGROUND] Although abdominoplasty and other body-contouring procedures are being performed more frequently, the incidence of seroma and other complications has remained relatively unchanged. In 2000, a small retrospective series introduced progressive tension sutures (PTS) in abdominoplasty to reduce seroma without the use of drains.

[OBJECTIVES] The authors review the PTS technique and their experience with the procedure.

[METHODS] A retrospective chart review of 597 consecutive abdominoplasty patients treated over 12 years was performed. Collected data included surgical setting, concomitant procedures, and complications.

[RESULTS] Of the 597 abdominoplasties, 52.4% were performed in the hospital and 47.6% in an American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)-accredited facility. In 63.7% of cases, abdominoplasty was combined with another procedure(s). Liposuction was performed on the abdominoplasty flap or an adjacent area to the abdominoplasty dissection in 67% of patients. The average amount fat aspirate from these areas was 953 mL. No drains were placed. The rate of local complications was 4.2%; all but one of these complications (seroma; 0.1%) were minor. There were no systemic complications related to PTS and no venous thromboembolisms.

[CONCLUSIONS] PTS are an adjunct to abdominoplasty that can minimize seroma and potentially decrease other local complications. They provide secure fixation of the flap to eliminate motion and broadly transfer tension to the superficial fascial system. Drains can safely be eliminated from abdominoplasty, even when liposuction is performed. Systemic complications may be avoided and patient recovery expedited.