Top Benefits Of A Drainless Tummy Tuck Over A Traditional Tummy Tuck

Whether post-partum, following significant weight loss or due to genetics, many men and women find that their abdomen is not as flat as they desire. Tummy tucks, more technically known as abdominoplasty, are one of the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedures for men and women alike. While traditionally tummy tucks have used drains to help remove fluid buildup post-surgery, drainless tummy tucks are becoming more and more sought after.

In the typical tummy tuck, patients will have their abdominal muscles tightened. The overlying skin and fat are lifted to expose and allow access to the diastasis recti, or separated abdominal muscles. In a drainless tummy tuck, the “skin apron” is sutured to this muscle layer to fuse the layers together. This closes off the space in which fluid would accumulate and makes drains unnecessary.

This technique requires only 5 to 10 additional minutes in the operating room. Patients find that they have less discomfort and inconvenience than if they had drains and the recovery process tends to be less complicated. There is no need for scar length to increase with this technique either.

After a drainless tummy tuck, just as in a tummy tuck using a drain, a compression band will be used for a few weeks to help manage swelling and assist in the healing process. Most patients will be back to light activity (think daily tasks, but not exercise or heavy lifting) within 2 or so weeks following surgery and will be able to return to work around this time.

Improvement in overall appearance should become visible starting around 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively once swelling has diminished, and final results should be completely realized around 6 months after surgery.

If you are considering an abdominoplasty, schedule an in-person consultation and talk with your board-certified plastic surgeon about the benefits of a drainless tummy tuck.