drschuster.com

Someone recently sent me an email asking about PTS sutures. They were reading online about these "progressive tension sutures". This is the thing......... Progressive tension sutures are sutures (stitches) which are used to do two things. The main thing they are used for is to reduce the chance of getting a seroma after surgery. Seromas are unwanted collections of fluid beneath the skin. In general, excess fluid occurs in the body for a number of different reasons. This excess fluid is returned to the circulation through the lymphatic system. After abdominoplasty the lymphatics are temporarily disconnected, making it more difficult fot the fluid to leave the area. It's important to get rid of the fluid early so that the "skin" can "stick"back down. When the fluid collects it is called a seroma. Small seromas usually resolve by themselves slowly over a few weeks. Some however are larger and won't go away on their own. If they persist they cause swelling and prevent you from being as fl