Denver Abdominoplasty Surgery Patients Have New and Improved Option

Denver Abdominoplasty Surgery Patients Have New and Improved Option

At his Denver plastic surgery practice, a Colorado surgeon now offers patients a "no drain" tummy tuck, which increases comfort and improves mobility after surgery, allowing for an easier post-operative recovery.

Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) February 13, 2009 -- For men and women in the Denver area, abdominoplasty surgery remains a popular and effective choice for improving the appearance of a protruding, saggy midsection. Now Colorado abdominoplasty surgeon Dr. Steven Vath (http://www.thecenterforcosmeticsurgery.net/cosmetic-surgeon-vath.cfm) is offering a variation on the traditional tummy tuck, which uses progressive tension sutures to eliminate the need for post-surgical drains during recovery.

Abdominoplasty is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgeries, and is particularly popular among weight loss patients and women whose abdomens have been overtaxed by pregnancy. However, until recently, abdominoplasty has required that suction drains be left in place for several days after surgery to prevent seromas (fluid accumulation). These plastic drainage tubes are sutured to the skin causing marked discomfort and limiting patients' mobility after surgery.

"There is no question that the surgical drains were the biggest cause of discomfort for most patients following abdominoplasty at my Denver plastic surgery center," says Dr. Vath. "The vast majority of calls I received from patients in the days following their abdominoplasty involved issues with their drains." These issues include concerns about the drains becoming dislodged, pain or irritation at the drain site exiting the skin, and limitations on movement and showering.

In a traditional abdominoplasty procedure, drains are used to prevent fluid accumulation in the "open space" created beneath the abdominal flap (skin and fat) and above the muscle. Through a fairly simple modification of the surgery -- the use of progressive tension sutures -- Dr. Vath can eliminate this space, as well as securely advance the flap with tension distributed over a broader area. "The addition of the sutures is an improvement to an already effective surgical procedure," reports Dr. Vath, who adds, "Surgical time is marginally increased by five to ten minutes, and the result is well worth it."

The use of progressive tension sutures secures the abdominal flap to the underlying fascia, distributing tension over a larger area. This prevents seroma formation as there is no longer any space in which fluid can accumulate. Furthermore, with this technique, tension is spread out, rather than concentrated at the wound closure site. According to Dr. Vath, "Not only does this approach allow for the procedure to be done without drains, it decreases the risk of other complications associated with having most of the tension on the wound closure, such as hypertrophy of the scar."

Dr. Vath has achieved excellent results through incorporating progressive tension sutures into his abdominoplasty procedures. There is mounting evidence within the plastic surgery research journals and at international meetings supporting this method of avoiding drain placement during tummy tucks. Since Dr. Vath has abandoned the use of drainage tubes, he has found no increased risk of seroma formation. His patients report fewer post-operative concerns, and are significantly more comfortable and mobile during the first week following their surgery.

According to Dr. Vath, only a small number of plastic surgeons nationwide are beginning to offer the no drain abdominoplasty. However, "with results that are so overwhelmingly positive, this technique may become the standard for abdominoplasty in the years ahead."

Dr. Steven Vath (http://www.thecenterforcosmeticsurgery.net/) is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing at the Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Denver, which offers a full range of cosmetic procedures for the face and body. He completed his General Surgery residency at George Washington University and received his Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training at the Louisiana State University Medical Center and Charity Hospital. He completed further specialized training in cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles at one of only a dozen fellowships in the country accredited by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.