Drainless Tummy Tuck
Offered at our convenient location in Denver, CO
A drainless tummy tuck is a variation of the tummy tuck procedure that involves skin-tightening and fat-removal techniques to sculpt a midsection with more attractive, slimmer contours. Many patients may feel deterred by the downtime required for tummy tuck recovery, but a drainless tummy tuck can cut down your recovery period, minimize the risk of infection, and minimize scarring.
For this version of the procedure, surgeons utilize modified surgical methods to mitigate unwanted fluid buildup (seroma) just under the skin. To avoid using drains, surgeons place quilted sutures to seal off the “dead space” between the muscle and fat layers of the abdomen. With these specialized sutures, you can experience a more comfortable recovery without the hassle of dealing with surgical drains.
At Advanced Body Sculpting Institute, we provide drainless tummy tuck procedures as a superior alternative to the standard tummy tuck procedure. Our team of surgeons, nurses, patient coordinators, and other professionals will guide you through your cosmetic rejuvenation journey step-by-step, providing you with the highest quality care with cost-effective options available at your request.
If you would like to learn more about the drainless tummy tuck, our practice, or the other minimally invasive skin and fat removal procedures we offer, contact our practice in Denver at (303) 708-8770, or reach out with our contact form. We look forward to helping you attain your dream body with the latest, most up-to-date surgical techniques available.
Before and After Photos
Contents
Basics of the Tummy Tuck
Since its inception, the tummy tuck– also called the abdominoplasty- has been a proven, safe method of fat elimination, skin-tightening, and other functional benefits. Tummy tucks have more benefits than liposuction, which involves suctioning fat deposits through an incision/s of less than an inch. Many patients who qualify for a tummy tuck have lost a massive amount of weight and need the skin removal aspect of the procedure to redefine their newly acquired contours. Some patients simply have stubborn pockets of fat after pregnancy, a major event that can completely alter a woman’s hormonal makeup and body composition. Others are simply susceptible to developing fat in this area of the body due to genetic factors.
If you’ve tried diet and exercise to lose weight in your belly, but are still struggling, a tummy tuck can provide permanent results so long as you maintain your weight. All in all, these procedures can result in a variety of benefits that many prospective patients may not already know:
- Surgeons make the main horizontal surgical incision within the pubic area stretching from hip to hip. Its discreet location allows patients to feel more comfortable and confident in bathing suits and other clothing options.
- Tummy tucks reposition the navel to a more natural positioning after skin removal.
- Skin removal can eliminate surgical scars, c-section scars, and bothersome stretch marks.
- Fat removal further defines the appearance of your abdominal muscles, helping you to achieve a more athletic look.
- The procedure can resolve diastasis recti, a condition characterized by abdominal muscle separation. Some women with a post-pregnancy “pooch” may not have fat in the area, only muscle separation caused by the pressure of carrying a baby.
- The procedure can help reduce symptoms of urinary incontinence from abdominal weakness. (1)
- Tummy tucks support the look of a highly sought-after “hourglass” body shape for women, and they can also support the “v-shape” ideal for men.
- A less extensive form of the procedure- the mini tummy tuck– can address smaller pockets of fat and excess skin with a shorter incision and no abdominal suturing.
- Surgeons can perform mini tummy tucks utilizing only local anesthesia and sedation.
Advanced Body Sculpting Institute offers an advanced version of the tummy tuck that incorporates both abdominoplasty and liposuction techniques, a procedure referred to as lipoabdominoplasty. This technique supports more skin removal and better blood circulation during the procedure. (2)
Benefits of a Drainless Tummy Tuck
A drainless tummy tuck has all of the benefits of the standard abdominoplasty, but it is an updated form of the procedure that prioritizes patient comfort during recovery. With this method, surgeons use a layered suturing technique to minimize the buildup of serous fluid, the colorless substance that comes out in drains. Serous fluid is made of plasma, a water and protein-based substance in blood, and lymphatic fluid from the immune system.
With the modified suturing of the drainless abdominoplasty, the serous fluid has nowhere to go, and the body safely re-absorbs it. Research has supported the avoidance of drains since it isn’t associated with an increased risk of seroma (3) Just this one simple alteration of the surgery leads to a multitude of benefits:
- You no longer have to worry about the risks associated with drains, such as clogs and infection at the entry point. Sometimes, drains can be torn away, causing more injury at the incision site.
- You can avoid the physical discomfort of drains and focus on healing rather than emptying the drainage reservoirs when needed- a task that is often off-putting for many patients.
- The drainless suturing technique can take off unnecessary tension at the incision line, requiring less downtime, reducing post-procedure discomfort, and improving overall mobility after the procedure. (4)
Personal Consultation
During your consultation at Advanced Body Sculpting Institute, you will meet with one of our trained patient coordinators who will help you formulate a customized tummy tuck plan that will create incredible, long-lasting results. At this first appointment, you will be able to consult them on whether or not the drainless tummy tuck technique is right for you, or if you may benefit more from another body-sculpting procedure offered at our practice. They will carefully assess the excess tissue in your abdomen to determine the correct approach for your unique body shape. They will also provide you with specific aftercare instructions you will need during your recovery. At our facility in Denver, you can enter knowing that we uphold the latest surgical standards that take both your health and aesthetics into careful consideration.
To get started today, call (303) 708-8770 for an appointment with a patient coordinator or inquire with our contact form, and we will get back to you with a date and time most convenient for your schedule.
Preparation
As with any tummy tuck, you should stop all use of anticoagulant medications and supplements with blood-thinning properties. These substances can place you at a higher risk of bleeding complications and increased bruising during your recovery. If you are a regular consumer of nicotine, you should stop all use at least 4 to 6 weeks before your procedure; smoking and other nicotine-based products can cause vasoconstriction, restricting adequate blood flow needed for proper healing.
You may wish to arrange comfortable clothing that will be easy to change into and easy meals for the first couple of days after your procedure. Although your surgeon can provide you with prescription medications, many patients find relief with over-the-counter remedies. Ask your surgeon about which ones are safe to take.
If your surgery includes the use of general anesthesia, be sure to avoid eating for the last 12 hours leading up to your procedure. Regardless of whether you receive general anesthesia or local anesthesia with a sedative, you will need someone to take you home on the same day.
Recovery and Results
After your drainless tummy tuck, you will still be sore, swollen, and bruised, but without bothersome surgical drains at your incision line. Though you will need to walk around to encourage more blood flow, you should avoid lifting anything heavy or exercising for a few weeks. Depending on your body and unique procedure plan, you can expect to get back to sedentary work within 1 to 2 weeks.
On average, drainless techniques support quicker recoveries. Your surgeon will give you further instructions regarding lymphatic massage to manage swelling. Within 6 weeks to 2 months, you will get to enjoy your slimmer physique with less scarring and swelling overall due to the advanced suturing practices of the drainless tummy tuck. With proper weight management and exercise, your results will last permanently.
Cost of A Drainless Tummy Tuck in Denver
The total cost of your drainless tummy tuck will depend on surgical fees, technique, the extent of your procedure, anesthesia, medications, and follow-up care. After your thorough consultation, your patient coordinator will give you an estimate with all of these factors in mind. At Advanced Body Sculpting Institute, we understand that many patients find it difficult to make out-of-pocket payments. We offer financing options with CareCredit and PatientFi payment plans.
Reach out to our practice at (303) 708-8770, or get in touch with us online, and we can help answer any questions regarding our procedures and the consultation process. To review more of your surgical options, read through our blog, or get started with the confidence-boosting, life-changing results of the drainless tummy tuck today.
References
- Carruthers KH, Kocak E, Hulsen JH, McMahan JD. Improvement in stress urinary incontinence after abdominoplasty. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2014;34(7):1091-1098. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1090820X14544023
- Brauman D, van der Hulst RRWJ, van der Lei B. Liposuction Assisted Abdominoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2018;6(9):e1940. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000001940
- Bhave Khair MA. Can drains be avoided in lipo-abdominoplasty? Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery. 2018;51(01):015-023. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/ijps.ijps_23_18
- Orr Shauly, Goel P, Gould DJ. Painless, Drainless Lipoabdominoplasty: A Retrospective Study of Pain Following Lipoabdominoplasty Utilizing Liposomal Bupivacaine and a Modified Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol. Aesthetic surgery journal. 2022;4. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojac049