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.
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.
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.
What is a drainless tummy tuck? A drainless tummy tuck essentially combines liposuction with a traditional tummy tuck using a specific layered suturing technique that eliminates the need for postsurgical drains. The first step is to use liposuction to remove isolated areas of stubborn fat in the abdominal area.
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.
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.
What if drains after tummy tuck are removed too late? If drains are left in place too long after tummy tuck, this may promote ongoing drainage. It may also increase risk of developing an infection.
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.
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.
Is a drainless tummy tuck safe? Drainless tummy tucks are completely safe when they are performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. The recovery experience for both kinds of tummy tucks is generally the same.
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.
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.
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.
Answer: You should only remove the drain after and abdominoplasty by yourself if permitted by your own surgeon.
What is the ideal body weight to undergo abdominoplasty?. In general, patients with body mass index equal or below to 30 are good candidates for abdominoplasty.
Most women lose between 2 and 3 pants sizes after a tuck, but there are patients who lose even more. If you had a lot of loose skin before the procedure, for example, you could go down 4 more pants sizes.
The True Form Tummy Tuck® can help you achieve a flat and firm abdomen that looks attractive and natural.
– Is drain removal painful? Patients may experience a pulling or pressure sensation, however there is generally no pain experienced during drain removal. Drain removal takes only a few seconds. The stitch securing the drain in place is first removed followed by gentle removal of the drainage tube.
Drains are not necessary after liposuction. Some surgeons may prefer to leave the incisions open for Drainage of tumescent. A proper compression dressing can take care of dead space after liposuction.
If fluids are given a chance to build up, complications and/or infection can set in and healing can be delayed. Excess fluid in a post-surgical site can also cause pain and swelling.
Additionally, the skin, muscles, and fat of the abdomen were all repaired or altered during the procedure. These structures need time to heal and settle into their new positions. This causes inflammation, swelling, and other temporary side effects that can contribute to the look of the stomach.
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.
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.