Abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" surgery is a very effective, highly satisfying procedure that helps patients regain a slimmer, tightened midsection, particularly after pregnancy or massive weight loss. The procedure tightens stretched abdominal muscles, eliminates excess skin, and at my practice in Chicago, liposuction is often incorporated to remove excess fat and re-contour the waist and abdomen.
For most patients, suction drainage tubes are left stitched in place for several days after surgery in order to allow fluid to drain from the site. However, for some patients, a recent innovation in abdominoplasty surgery allows for a "drain-free" procedure, now performed by an increasing number of highly trained plastic surgeons around the country.
Drains vs. Drain-Free:
Drains are used to prevent fluid from accumulating in the "open space" created between the abdominal flap (skin and fat layer) and the underlying muscle. In the newer, drain-free approach, multiple tacking (or "quilting") sutures are used to "seal down" the potential space as the tissues are redraped, which also helps define the abdominal contour. The option of eliminating suction drains altogether is best suited for patients who are at or very near their ideal weight, although it can be used for patients who are slightly overweight.
The drainless tummy tuck may simplify the surgical recovery for those who qualify for this technique. This form of abdominoplasty eliminates the monitoring and emptying of the drains, and may improve mobility and comfort. However, for those undergoing the drain-free abdominoplasty, the use of a compression garment is even more critical than for those undergoing traditional abdominoplasty. This helps with the prevention of seromas as well as swelling in general. Surgical time for a drainless procedure is slightly increased.
The Ultimate Goal: A Better Abdominoplasty Procedure:
While drains used in traditional abdominoplasty serve a very important purpose in postsurgical recovery, they can cause discomfort, leave additional scars and limit mobility, particularly if they are brought out through the suprapubic area. At my plastic surgery practice in Chicago, I bring the drains out through the lateral incisions. This technique makes the patient more comfortable and leaves marks only along the already-present surgical incision.
The drain-free abdominoplasty is an exciting and significant innovation to an already popular and proven procedure. Whether or not a patient is suited for the drain-free technique is something that can only be determined through careful evaluation and thorough discussion. In any case, it is important that the plastic surgery community continues to explore new and effective options to meet the diverse needs of each unique patient.
For most patients, suction drainage tubes are left stitched in place for several days after surgery in order to allow fluid to drain from the site. However, for some patients, a recent innovation in abdominoplasty surgery allows for a "drain-free" procedure, now performed by an increasing number of highly trained plastic surgeons around the country.
Drains vs. Drain-Free:
Drains are used to prevent fluid from accumulating in the "open space" created between the abdominal flap (skin and fat layer) and the underlying muscle. In the newer, drain-free approach, multiple tacking (or "quilting") sutures are used to "seal down" the potential space as the tissues are redraped, which also helps define the abdominal contour. The option of eliminating suction drains altogether is best suited for patients who are at or very near their ideal weight, although it can be used for patients who are slightly overweight.
The drainless tummy tuck may simplify the surgical recovery for those who qualify for this technique. This form of abdominoplasty eliminates the monitoring and emptying of the drains, and may improve mobility and comfort. However, for those undergoing the drain-free abdominoplasty, the use of a compression garment is even more critical than for those undergoing traditional abdominoplasty. This helps with the prevention of seromas as well as swelling in general. Surgical time for a drainless procedure is slightly increased.
The Ultimate Goal: A Better Abdominoplasty Procedure:
While drains used in traditional abdominoplasty serve a very important purpose in postsurgical recovery, they can cause discomfort, leave additional scars and limit mobility, particularly if they are brought out through the suprapubic area. At my plastic surgery practice in Chicago, I bring the drains out through the lateral incisions. This technique makes the patient more comfortable and leaves marks only along the already-present surgical incision.
The drain-free abdominoplasty is an exciting and significant innovation to an already popular and proven procedure. Whether or not a patient is suited for the drain-free technique is something that can only be determined through careful evaluation and thorough discussion. In any case, it is important that the plastic surgery community continues to explore new and effective options to meet the diverse needs of each unique patient.
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