Tissue Glue Rather Than Drains (?!)

There is an old surgical adage:

If a surgeon thinks that the patient might benefit from a drain, he should put it in.  A surgeon never regrets placing a drain.

Patients, however, hate drains.  They are a post-operative nuisance.  Most patients grudgingly accept drains because they minimize fluid collections (called seromata) and infections.

Since drains are so uncomfortable, there have been a number of products and techniques developed to obviate the need for drains....

• Quilting sutures beneath tissue flaps to minimize "dead space"
• Tissue glues

Biological tissues glues are particularly exciting because they are quick, effective, and precise.  Unfortunately, there have been no specific research studies which have rigorously documented the safety and efficacy of biological glues for plastic surgery.  A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 2008 proved the success of tissue glues in a canine abdominoplasty ("tummy tuck") model; however, dog and human tissues do respond differently, and the results of an animal model can not necessarily be generalized to human beings.

To investigate human plastic surgery patients' response to biological glues, Cohera Medical, Inc., has just enrolled its first few patients in a study of its TissuGlu.  The clinical investigation is a prospective, open-label, randomized study to investigate the safety of TissuGlu, its effect on wound drainage, and its relationship to complications.  The study will compare 40 abdominoplasty patients in Bonn, Frankfurt, and Freiburg, Germany, who will undergo...

standard wound closure techniques versus

standard wound closure techniques plus the application of TissuGlu

Currently, patients who undergo abdominoplasties require the insertion of one or more drains to remove fluids that accumulate under the skin at the surgical site.  (The old surgical adage remains true in tummy tucks!)  However, TissuGlu will hopefully adhere the flaps created during the procedure to reduce fluid accumulation, and, ultimately, the duration of use of surgical drains.  With the use of TissuGlu, patients may experience a reduction in fluid accumulation, a more comfortable recovery, and a quicker return to normal activity.

If the European trial goes favorably, Cohera will apply for a larger U.S.-based trial later this year.  Let's say our prayers that TissuGlu works!...

The Nefertiti Lift with Sculptra Aesthetic Rather than Botox

About one year ago, I reviewed a published article considering the "Nefertiti Lift" (http://www.pickartplasticsurgeryblog.com/2008/12/the-nefertiti-lift-can-botox-tighten-an-aging-jaw-line.html).  The Nefertiti Lift is a technique for using Botox to rejuvenate the aging jawline and neck.

• My immediate conclusion was...  "I'm skeptical."
• My conclusion one year later, after having tried the Nefertiti Lift on a number of patients:  "Bogus."

However, I have since discovered that Nefertiti Lifts are possible with certain non-surgical techniques.  Botox just isn't the right product.  Sculptra Aesthetic can--non-surgically--rejuvenate some poorly defined jawlines, baggy jowls, and loose neck skin.

Sculptra works by stimulating a patient's body to make collagen.  The manufactured collagen provides volume.  The subsequent inflation helps the patient's tissues stand up at attention.  To some degree, the face and neck are, therefore, lifted.

I have grown more and more pleased with the results from Sculptra.  Nevertheless, I am not throwing out my scalpel.  For most "waddles," the surgical face/neck lift is still the gold standard.

Dr. Pickart To Host More Training Sessions for Sculptra Aesthetic

Dr. Pickart is the only Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Southern California who trains other physicians on the appropriate techniques for Sculptra Aesthetic.  He has recently returned from...

• Denver, Colorado
• Lawrence, Kansas
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Houston, Texas
• Galveston, Texas
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
• Lafayette, Louisiana
• Los Angeles, California
• Beverly Hills, California
• Burbank, California
• Encino, California
• Rancho Mirage, California
• Newport Beach, California
• Huntington Beach, California
• Pasadena, California

He will be hosting additional training sessions for physicians in his office in Ventura, California.  Please call if you would like to be included:  (805) 648-4567.