Introducing the Drain-Free Tummy Tuck with TissuGlu

Esse Plastic Surgery is pleased to offer a revolutionary surgical technique that can eliminate the need for surgical drains in tummy tuck procedures! Drains are typically inserted post-operatively to prevent fluid accumulation that occurs between tissue layers after surgery. Although they have been necessary for quite some time, drains are awkward, messy, and cumbersome for patients to carry around for weeks after their procedure. TissuGlu works by strongly adhering the tissue layers together, allowing fluid to resorb naturally during healing. As innovators in plastic surgery, we are proud to give our patients a recovery free from anxiety about the aftercare of drains.

Watch this video to find out more about this exciting technology!

What is TissuGlu?

TissuGlu is the first and only FDA approved surgical adhesive for internal use. It’s lysine-based, so it’s completely safe and breaks down into harmless components within the body. During the tummy tuck procedure, TissuGlu is applied in a grid pattern with a very precise applicator. After application, TissuGlu creates a strong bond to hold the tissue layers together, helping reduce the space between layers where fluid usually collects. TissuGlu is incredibly strong, with the ability to hold about 10 pounds of shear force (the type of force your body exerts when you bend or twist).

How does TissuGlu work?

TissuGlu is applied in a grid pattern with a precise applicator to create multiple points of contact to ensure that the tissue layers are bonded together very tightly. This strong bond prevents pockets where fluid can accumulate, allowing your body to resorb fluid naturally as part of the healing process instead of having to recover with cumbersome drains.

Who is a candidate for TissuGlu?

A drain-free tummy tuck with TissuGlu may not be for everyone. Depending on your health history or procedural plan, you may have an increased risk of fluid accumulation. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tracey Stokes or Dr. Laura Sudarsky to find out if a drain-free tummy tuck with TissuGlu is the right experience for you.

What are the benefits of TissuGlu?

TissuGlu gives our patients the advantage of no post-operative drain care, a better quality of life during recovery, and less burden on caregivers. We know that the pain and discomfort associated with drains is the number one complaint of abdominoplasty patients. Instead of spending time managing messy drains and anticipating the potentially painful drain removal procedure, you can get back to being you and start enjoying your results more quickly with TissuGlu.

With TissuGlu, you’ll have the advantage of no messy post-operative drain care, a better quality of life during recovery, and less burden on your caregiver. We know that many patients experience drain-related pain and anxiety about the drain removal process. TissuGlu can eliminate any fears regarding drains and allow you to return to normal activity (showering, driving, returning to work) more quickly.

What is recovery like with TissuGlu?

TissuGlu patients experience a better quality of life during recovery compared to drains. Our patients often feel so good after their tummy tucks that they want to do more than we recommend for post-operative activity, but remember you just had major surgery and you’ll need time to heal. Be sure to carefully follow Dr. Stokes’ or Dr. Sudarsky’s recovery instructions.

A clinical study proved that patients who used TissuGlu returned to a normal work schedule approximately 3 days sooner than those with drains. Although you might feel eager to resume heavy activity following your tummy tuck with TissuGlu, please remember you just had a major surgery and your body will need time to heal. Be sure to carefully follow Dr. Stokes’ or Dr. Sudarsky’s recovery instructions.

What are the risks associated with TissuGlu?

Extensive clinical studies were performed using TissuGlu and there were no increased safety risks. Potential complications are associated with the tummy tuck procedure and also with TissuGlu. They can include seroma (fluid) formation, rash/redness, infection, scarring, hematoma (bruising or swelling), incision separation, and immunological reaction. Ask your doctor to explain the risks and potential complications associated with the tummy tuck procedure and with TissuGlu. For full safety information, please visit www.tissuglu.com/safety.