Drainless Abdominoplasty: A Game Changer for the Right Patient
If you’ve recently found yourself eyeing your midsection in the mirror and searching the word abdominoplasty on Google, you’ve probably begun the process of deciding whether a tummy tuck (the more common term) is right for you.
As with any plastic surgery procedure, a practical consideration is what kind of recovery patients can expect after a tummy tuck. While everyone looks forward to the eventual positive results, most don’t look forward to the immediate recovery period after surgery.
The good news is that abdominoplasty recovery is trending in an easier direction! While traditional tummy tucks involve post-op drains, for the right candidate, Dr. Jay Lucas offers a drainless technique to give patients across East Tennessee and beyond a more comfortable option with an easier recovery.
How Drainless Abdominoplasty Works
“Traditional” Abdominoplasty
As part of a traditional tummy tuck, Dr. Lucas inserts drains in the surgical site to remove any fluid accumulation after the surgery. During recovery, the patient or a caregiver will need to take note of the amount of fluid discharged, as well as empty the drains.
Drainless Abdominoplasty
The initial part of the abdominoplasty procedure is very similar to a traditional approach (removing excess fat and skin from the midsection, often including liposuction). With a drainless tummy tuck, however, Dr. Lucas uses a different suturing method, which can eliminate the need for the post-op drains.
With this technique, Dr. Lucas places multiple layers of sutures. Rather than simply suturing the incision sites (the traditional approach), additional sutures are placed between the exposed abdominal muscle and the bottom of the skin that was lifted during the procedure.
Benefits of the Drainless Tummy Tuck Technique
The multi-layered suturing technique creates a tighter connection between your skin and your muscle, which means you also get to reap these benefits after surgery:
- More comfort during your recovery
- Less post-op fluid buildup
- Lowered risk of infection
- Easier post-op care (no drains for you to monitor or empty)
- Less tension on your incisions, with the potential for less visible scarring
Are You a Good Candidate for a Drainless Tummy Tuck?
Each patient is unique, but here are some indicators that you could be a good candidate for a drainless procedure:
- You are generally in good health.
- Your blood pressure is usually in the ideal range.
- You typically do not need blood thinners.
Of course, the best way to know whether you’re a candidate for this surgical technique (or whether any particular surgery is right for you) is to consult with a board-certified surgeon.
Personalized Care & Exceptional Results, Right Here in East TN
Ready to take the next step? Whether you’ve still got questions or are ready to book your abdominoplasty, now is a great time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jay Lucas at The Lucas Center. You can learn more about the drainless technique, find out whether it’s right for you, and create a personalized surgical plan to achieve your desired results. Give us a call today at (865) 217-0572 or book online. We can’t wait to help you in your journey to true, lasting confidence!
