In the past this type of plastic surgery involved the placement of drains so that any fluid, which collects, is drained from the tissues. Progressive sutures are used to hold the abdominal skin flap in the proper location over the deeper tissues in the abdomen, and this eliminates the need for drains to be placed.
A drainless tummy tuck will result in a much better overall healing process, as it can drastically help reduce postoperative symptoms. There is usually less pain and swelling, and surgical wounds heal faster without the need to measure fluids or change drains.
During the tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Restifo attaches the abdominal tissue and muscles using TissuGlu®. This eliminates the pockets where the fluid would normally accumulate, and where drains would typically sit. The fluid has nowhere to go, so the body just reabsorbs it.
For over 50 years surgeons have placed drains after every tummy tuck procedure to allow any accumulating fluid, referred to as seroma, a way to exit the body.
For patients who don't have the time to devote to an extensive recovery period at home, a no-drain tummy tuck offers an ideal solution. Not only do the surgical wounds heal faster, there is usually less pain and swelling involved.
Depending on your location, the experience of the surgeon, and many other variables, a no-drain tummy tuck can cost you anywhere between $7,000 and $18,000 on the higher end. The use of tissue glue adds about $600 to the base cost of the operation.
In a drainless tummy tuck, however, Dr. Dauwe uses many layers of sutures to sew the skin together. This closes the space and leaves no room for excess fluid to accumulate. Patients will not need to monitor any drains after tummy tuck surgery.
Removing drains too soon may result in fluid buildup, seroma, and the need for fluid aspiration and/or a second surgery. Generally speaking, most patients who require tummy tuck drains are able to have them removed after about 1 – 3 weeks.
– What is the purpose of drains after tummy tuck? Drains are placed to reduce fluid accumulation at the surgical site. They may reduce the incidence of seromas (fluid collections) and resultant complications following tummy tuck. Drains also indicate the amount of bleeding that is occurring during early healing.
Why do patients PREFER not to have drains? Drain-free cosmetic surgery techniques AVOID unnecessary drain-tube incision(s) and related healing risks. This can help reduce complications linked with drain use.
You may be a good candidate for a drainless tummy tuck if:
You have excess abdominal skin caused by childbirth or drastic weight loss. A healthy diet and exercise have not eliminated excess fat. You have a naturally protruding abdomen.
Answer: Why is Waist Bigger After Tummy Tuck
If it is soon after your surgery, this could be due to swelling. If it is more than 6 weeks after surgery, it is possible that you have gained weight.
During body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck, fat cells are eliminated from the body and cannot return. Because of this, patients may gain weight in other places like the buttocks, legs, arms, and breasts.
Extended Tummy Tuck
This is considered the best type of tummy tuck for patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight and are looking to refine their body contours. The surgery involves a longer incision as the scope is larger, but recovery times tend to stay the same as a traditional abdominoplasty.
It is even harder to keep the weight at bay from your tummy once you've lost it. Recent studies are showing patients who undergo abdominoplasty – better known as a tummy tuck – are keeping the weight off and even losing weight long after their surgery. Learn more about the long lasting benefits of the tummy tuck.
Even in most normal weight and extremely fit women, the abdomen may not be completely flat following abdominoplasty. It is realistic for patients to expect improvement in the flatness of the stomach, but should not immediately assume that their abdomen will be entirely flat.
Tummy tuck and breast surgery patients typically have 1-2 drains depending on the amount of tissue removed and if they had other procedures performed at the same time (i.e., liposuction). Tummy tuck drains usually remain in place from 5 to 14 days.
There is a myth circulating through the rumor mill that pulling out the drain tubes is painful. It's not. Taking the drainage tubes out is a painless procedure performed in your surgeon's office, and it usually takes about two seconds per side.
Answer: You should only remove the drain after and abdominoplasty by yourself if permitted by your own surgeon.
If you have a “mini tummy tuck” with a smaller incision, you'll likely need between one and three weeks of elevated sleeping. On the other hand, full-tummy tuck patients require about four weeks, with six weeks of limiting any strenuous exercise or lifting.
The best sleeping position after tummy tuck surgery is on your back with your upper body elevated to create a slight bend or angle. Using pillows or sleeping in a recliner is ideal to achieve this position.
Use a mild soap and keep your shower on a gentle setting. Avoid applying soap directly to the incisions until they are sealed. Air dry. Avoid toweling the incision area to prevent reopening the wound.
After the surgery, you will need to wear a compression garment to minimise swelling and support healing. A tummy tuck is generally a major procedure, and you will need plenty of time to rest and heal. The first few days are crucial and will be the most difficult and painful.
As with any surgery, the drainless tummy tuck comes with some risk of infection, seroma, blood clots, abnormal reaction to anesthesia or other medications used during the procedure, and delayed healing.
Medicare only covers tummy tuck surgery if it is deemed as a medical necessity. Medicare does not cover elective cosmetic tummy tucks. Patients can get coverage under Medicare if it is deemed as a medical necessity by their GP. You need to have a valid medical referral and meet the strict criteria.