A drainless tummy tuck is an effective means of addressing sagging skin and excess fat in the abdomen. It is a highly efficient treatment, combining liposuction and tummy tuck techniques into one procedure along with a specialized suturing method that does not require post-surgical drains. It can achieve a flat and toned abdomen with a less complicated recovery process than other treatment methods. With a drainless tummy tuck, patients can experience less swelling and bruising post-procedure, alongside improved skin elasticity for a seamless transition to their new look.
At Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic, our expert surgeons perform drainless tummy tuck procedures for patients in the Denver area and beyond. We are driven to provide sensitive patient care and excellent cosmetic results. For more information, call (720) 372-2155 or contact us online.
Contents
About Drainless Tummy Tucks
Whether from aging, pregnancy, or significant weight loss, patients who seek cosmetic treatment in the abdominal area often have more than one issue that requires addressing. It is common that they need both excess fat and excess skin removed, along with tightening of the abdominal muscles. Excess fat tends to build up in pockets in this area which can prove difficult to burn off through diet and exercise. Additionally, muscle laxity can lead to poor core strength and a bulging effect on the surface of the skin.
Thousands of patients every year choose a tummy tuck to address these issues. However, these procedures often require longer recovery periods in which the incisions made during surgery are not fully closed. Drains are placed inside these open incisions to let excess fluids leave the body for a period after the initial procedure. These drains can make recovery an over-complicated process for the patient, and even lead to complications. (1) With a drainless tummy tuck from Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic, you can achieve the benefits of liposuction and a tummy tuck in one procedure, without needing to deal with post-surgical drains as you recover.
The drainless tummy tuck procedure involves several steps. The first is liposuction, in which our surgeons use a tube-like tool called a cannula to break up and remove excess fat cells from the abdomen. This step goes a long way in providing a slimmer and more toned abdomen. After this, they extend the incisions enough to remove the excess skin and tighten up the underlying musculature. This allows the abdomen and its surrounding skin to hold tight in its new shape, achieving a flat and athletic look. Finally, they close the incisions using a special technique called progressive tension sutures. This technique involves surgeons placing sutures in multiple layers on and around the incision line, distributing the tension around the abdomen. This suture method closes the internal cavities that would otherwise accumulate fluid and require post-surgical drains to prevent seroma and infection. (2)
Benefits of Drainless Tummy Tucks
Tummy tucks are a highly efficient procedure. There are many benefits to receiving one at the Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic. These include:
- Treating excess fat and sagging skin with one procedure
- Suture technique that heals better and leaves a smoother scar
- Obtaining a flat and defined abdomen
- Renewed self-confidence and boosted self-esteem
- Getting rid of excess fat cells that refuse to burn off
- Simplified recovery process
- Increased motivation to stay fit and healthy
The primary benefits of a drainless tummy tuck include reduced risk of infection, minimal scarring, and improved patient comfort during the recovery period. Furthermore, the absence of external drains enhances convenience and promotes a smoother healing process for many individuals seeking abdominal rejuvenation.
Who is a Candidate for a Drainless Tummy Tuck?
To be eligible for this procedure, you should be close to your target body weight and in relatively good health. The drainless tummy tuck is not meant to be a weight loss solution. It can treat aesthetic issues that have persisted despite diligent weight loss efforts like dieting and exercise. You should be well on your way towards a fit and healthy lifestyle so that this treatment can bring you closer to your beauty goals. This will also help to ensure that you can heal properly to benefit from the transformative effects of this surgery. You should also have realistic expectations about what this treatment can do for you. It is healthy to have plans to continue to improve your fitness and appearance once your drainless tummy tuck has enhanced the look of your abdomen.
Personal Consultation
At your personal consultation, one of our patient coordinators will tell you everything you need to know about the drainless tummy tuck procedure. We can answer all of the questions that you have related to this treatment. We will gather detailed information about your medical history to make sure that you are an eligible candidate. You should come prepared to discuss your past surgeries, as well as any conditions you have experienced and medications that you have been prescribed.
If the drainless tummy tuck is right for you, we can schedule your procedure appointment and provide instructions for preparation. To schedule your personal consultation with one of our experienced patient coordinators, call (720) 372-2155 or fill out this form.
Preparation
There are several steps you can take to prepare for your tummy tuck and make your treatment process safer and smoother.
- Maintain a steady weight and a healthy lifestyle.
- Stop smoking for the duration of the preparation and recovery process to reduce risk of complications and encourage optimal healing.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs and certain herbal supplements that thin the blood to reduce bleeding.
- Stay consistently hydrated.
- Take the necessary amount of time off work.
- Prepare your home for recovery by placing everything within reach and stocking up on healthy food.
Drainless Tummy Tuck Procedure
At Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic, we perform drainless tummy tuck procedures on an outpatient basis. On the day of your procedure, we will prepare you for surgery and administer general anesthesia. Your surgeon will begin by making small incisions around your abdomen for the liposuction portion of your procedure. They will break up the targeted fat cells with a cannula, and proceed to use medical suction to remove the fat. They will take care to create a natural and muscular abdominal contour according to your body’s curves and your desired results. Then they will make a longer hip-to-hip incision to remove the excess skin and reinforce your underlying tissue and musculature. Your surgeon will make these larger incisions in discreet areas of the abdomen below the waist, that can be hidden by clothing. Finally, they will redrape your remaining skin tightly over your abdomen and close the incisions using the specialized suturing technique. When the procedure is complete, we will monitor your condition as you recover from the general anesthesia.
Recovery
A drainless tummy tuck requires some downtime to rest and speed up the healing process. You may experience noticeable swelling and sensitivity in your treatment area. If you begin to feel a distracting amount of discomfort, we can prescribe medication to help you through this period. Depending on your rate of recovery, you should be able to return to work and everyday activity one to two weeks after your procedure. Avoid strenuous activity and exercise for as long as six weeks, or until your surgeon approves.
Results
The final results of your drainless tummy tuck will reveal themselves after six to eight weeks of recovery. You may have visible swelling in the meantime, though you should still be able to notice the slimming and tightening effects of your treatment. Provided that you are able to maintain a steady weight, your results will be long-lasting. Upholding a healthy diet and active lifestyle will ensure that excess fat does not build back up and that your skin does not stretch and begin to sag again.
How Much Do Drainless Tummy Tucks Cost in Denver?
The price of your drainless tummy tuck procedure will be dependent on the details of your treatment plan and the aesthetic goals that you hope to reach. We will give you an accurate cost estimate at the end of your personal consultation. For more information about how much drainless tummy tucks cost at the Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic, call (720) 372-2155 or visit our contact page for more information.
FAQ
Why should I choose a drainless tummy tuck?
This advanced method of tummy tuck not only removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen but also contours and sculpts the abdominal area without the inconvenience of managing drains. The absence of drainage tubes means less risk of infection, reduced swelling, and a more comfortable healing experience overall.
Will a drainless tummy tuck leave visible scars?
Drainless tummy tucks do leave visible scarring, though our surgeons can typically place them below the waistline so they may be hidden by clothing. These scars fade gradually over time.
What is recovery from a drainless tummy tuck like?
The major benefit of the recovery process for a drainless tummy tuck is the lack of postoperative drainage tubes, which are typically required to remove fluid buildup in internal pockets created by the surgery. Beyond this perk, the recovery will be similar to other cosmetic procedures, including downtime from work and avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks.
References
- Prado A, Parada F. Accidental Pull-Out of Drains after Abdominoplasty: Outpatient Endoscopic Control of an Expanding Hematoma and Reinstallation of Drains under Direct Vision without Opening the Wound. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2009;123(2):79e80e. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0b013e318195978d
- Patronella CK. Progressive Tension Sutures Eliminate the Need for Drains in Body Contouring Surgery. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2021;42(3):NP191-NP192. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjab390
