Barbed Sutures in Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

Postoperative closure techniques in breast reconstruction have remained largely unchanged over the past 75 years, despite recent use of adhesives and subcuticular staples and the advent of self-anchoring barbed sutures. In this article, the author discusses the applications for barbed sutures in breast reconstruction and describes specific techniques. Innovations in barbed suture material are also described, and the author's personal experiences are presented in comparison with traditional suturing techniques.

Barbed Sutures and Wound Complications in Plastic Surgery: An Analysis of Outcomes

“…Various authors have proposed techniques for the application of barbed sutures to wound closures of the face, arms, thighs, abdomen, and breasts; [26][27][28][29] however, few authors have directly compared their optimal techniques for barbed sutures with conventional sutures. In September 2013, Aesthetic Surgery Journal published a supplement on barbed sutures that was funded by the manufacturer of Quill sutures, regarding the advent and release of this new technology.…”

Clinical Applications of Barbed Suture in Aesthetic Breast Surgery

“…Barbed suture devices were first implemented by plastic surgeons for the use in various minimally invasive techniques for facial rejuvenation. 1 Although the initial devices had their share of pitfalls, the most noticeable advantage in their implementation was a reduction in procedural time. 2 With the increase of bariatric procedures, there has been a similar increase in the number of body-contouring procedures in order to address the significant skin redundancies related to massive weight loss of the breast and body.…”