Incorporating barbed sutures in abdominoplasty.

Barbed sutures can be used in body contouring procedures to close long incisions better than conventional sutures. The results of a literature review focusing on the use of barbed sutures in abdominal contouring procedures suggest that they are safe and effective in wound closure with complication rates similar to conventional sutures but with possibly faster incision-closure times. An update on one author's (K.A.G.) personal experience with barbed progressive tension sutures in abdominoplasty procedures is presented, along with practical technique recommendations for barbed suture use.