Some of the most frequently asked questions about a tummy tuck revolve around what to expect during recovery. While any surgical procedure will require some downtime afterward to heal and recover, some surgical techniques allow for a smoother and, in some cases, even quicker recovery period than others.
A smoother recovery is one of the many benefits of a drainless tummy tuck vs. a traditional abdominoplasty with drains. Take a look at these common questions and answers about drain-free tummy tucks to help you decide if this technique could be best for your procedure.
How Does a Drainless Tummy Tuck Affect Recovery?
As the name suggests, a drainless tummy tuck does not require drains to prevent fluid buildup during or after surgery. Instead, a layered suture technique is used to prevent seromas — or fluid buildup — which may also allow for a slightly shorter recovery period than with a traditional drain tummy tuck, as the drain will not need to be removed.
In addition to shortening the tummy tuck recovery time, the drain-free technique makes the entire recovery process much smoother and less complicated. Drainless abdominoplasty does not require you to empty the contents of the drain or record how much fluid is collected each time. There is also no risk of accidentally pulling on a drain, and it is much more comfortable to rest and relax without worrying about the position of the drain.
Are There Cons to a Drainless vs. Drain Tummy Tuck?
The only real con to the no-drain vs. drain tummy tuck is that the drainless technique may take slightly longer to perform because it is more involved and requires the knowledge and skillset needed to utilize the layered suture technique mentioned earlier.
A drain-free tummy tuck can make your recovery time shorter, although the procedure itself may take slightly longer than a traditional tummy tuck with a drain.[/pullquote]
However, tummy tucks are performed under general anesthesia, so most people find that the little extra time it takes is well worth the many benefits of a drain-free tummy tuck recovery.
How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Drain-Free Abdominoplasty
If you are interested in a drainless tummy tuck, the key is to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with this specific surgical technique. Look at before and after photos of drainless tummy tuck results from this plastic surgeon to help you get a better idea of the quality of results you might be able to expect yourself.
Finally, schedule a consultation with your top one or two picks and ask questions about the drain-free tummy tuck technique vs. the traditional drain technique. Ask your plastic surgeon if he or she feels that you could be a good candidate for a drain-free tummy tuck and why or why not. This will not only help you decide if abdominoplasty could be the right procedure for you, but can also help you gain more insight into this particular plastic surgeon’s surgical techniques and preferences.
Dr. Eric Mariotti, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is known throughout the East Bay for his genuine compassion and the remarkable results he creates. Women and men come to his plastic surgery practice in Concord because he is highly trained and experienced, and has a caring personality. His patients think of him as a down-to-earth guy who happens to be a talented plastic surgeon.
