Largest Study Of No-Drain Tummy Tucks Published By Father-Son Surgeons

DALLAS, Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Aesthetic Surgery Journal August edition has published "Progressive Tension Sutures in Abdominoplasty: A Review of 597 Consecutive Cases."  The body contouring study is the largest of its kind on tummy-tucks using progressive tension sutures (PTS) which eliminate the need for surgical drains.

The progressive tension suture technique was pioneered by journal authors Todd A. Pollock, M.D., and his father Harlan Pollock, M.D., both on the medical staff of Texas Institute for Surgery.

"Collection of fluid, also known as seroma, is one of, if not the most frustrating problem that plagues abdominoplasty," said Dr. Todd Pollock. "Our technique sews the tissue back together, closing the space, and leaving no room for fluid to accumulate.  More importantly, progressive tension sutures (PTS) hold tissue together with abdominal movement during the healing process. The need for drains is eliminated, which speeds recovery, decreases cost and improves scarring."

"A woman can move around upright without fear of disrupting the surgical area. She doesn't have to resort to extended bed rest and limited movement, as many surgeons advise to avoid these problems," Dr. Todd Pollock said.

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck", is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Surgeons typically insert two or three drains to remove fluid, Dr. Harlan Pollock explained.

"These drains remain in place for one to several weeks," he said. "Drains are uncomfortable, messy and a potential site of infection."

Drs. Pollock and Pollock's technique has been described as one of the most notable advancements in abdominoplasty surgical technique over the past few decades, according to Thomas Wiener, M.D., a published Houston surgeon.

The procedure has been used in the Pollock's practice since the early 1980s, and the father-son team penned the study with more than 50 years combined experience. Study patients were mostly women with an average age of around 46.  All patients were from their clinical practice, North Dallas Plastic Surgery located in Dallas and Allen, Texas.

Body contouring is an ever increasing procedure among women following pregnancy as well as among men following obesity and weight-loss surgery, Dr. Harlan Pollock said.  Statistics show a 300% increase since 1997.

"Nearly two-thirds of patients had another cosmetic surgical procedure at the same time," Dr. Harlan Pollock said.  It is not uncommon for a woman to combine her tummy tuck with breast surgery and liposuction procedures, he said.

CONTACT: Adriane Wilson, +1-214-801-7070, [email protected]

SOURCE Texas Institute for Surgery