How Abdominoplasty May Look Different a Few Years from Now

Many men and women have chosen tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery at my practice in Denver. And the procedure today is much more advanced than it was even a decade or two ago. Still, techniques and technologies will continue to advance in the years to come. Current clinical trials that are underway for a new product could change the ways that tummy tucks are performed by surgeons all across the country.

New Products, New Methods

Cohera Medical, Inc. is an innovative company that’s been at the forefront of developing surgical adhesives. Its recently developed product, TissuGlu® Surgical Adhesive, has been enrolled for a widespread clinical trial which may lead to FDA approval for use in the United States.

Already used successfully for many surgeries in Germany, TissuGlu® (if approved) would be the first medical adhesive device able to be utilized in large flap surgeries such as abdominoplasty within the United States. The study itself will specifically examine whether TissuGlu® is effective for reducing wound drainage and other post-surgical complications following tummy tucks. Although there is still a long road ahead of TissuGlu® to gain FDA approval, this is an important first step.

Changing Standards

Right now, patients who receive tummy tucks may need drains to be inserted in order to reduce fluid buildup, which accumulates at the surgical site following the procedure. If drainage is not adequate, additional procedures can be required for removal and proper healing. TissuGlu® would be used to reduce that open space, which would prevent fluid collection. This would not only resolve the drain question, but also give patients a faster and more comfortable recovery. If TissuGlu® does win approval for use in the US, we may see a significant change in the way tummy tucks are performed.