what is a drainless tummy tuck?

A drainless tummy tuck, also known as a "no drain" tummy tuck, is a type of plastic surgery procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, as well as the tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles. Unlike traditional tummy tuck surgery, which involves the use of drains to remove excess fluid from the surgical site, a drainless tummy tuck does not require the use of drains. This can result in a quicker recovery time and fewer post-operative complications. Drainless tummy tucks are typically performed on an outpatient basis, using general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.

Drainless Tummy Tuck

Since the invention of the tummy tuck or abdominoplasty operation to tighten abdominal skin, muscles and waistline, drains have historically been used to remove fluid from under the skin during the patient’s recovery period.

These cumbersome and sometimes annoying, complicated devices made for a difficult and sometimes annoying recovery. For those of you who have had tummy tucks in the past or those that have had other abdominal surgery involving the use of drains afterward, you are well aware of the annoyances.

The amounts of drainage had to be written down every 8-24 hours for the surgeon to review. The tubes connecting the drains would become tangled during sleeping hours.

Drains would occasionally be accidentally pulled out prematurely by this tangling, or by getting hooked on clothing or bedside objects. Ugh! Utter nuisance!

Here at Francis New York Plastic Surgery I now perform the overwhelming majority of my tummy tucks without the use of these cumbersome drains. That’s correct “The Drainless Tummy Tuck.” For 2-3 years now the “Drainless Tummy Tuck” has become the mainstay of my tummy tuck practice. The benefit for my patients is not having to deal with these annoying devices any more.

The recovery is much easier and much more manageable without the presence of the drains. No more documenting amounts of fluid. No more twisting and tangling of tubes while sleeping. No more accidentally pulling out drains before their time. My patients appreciate a much more free and mobile recovery.

An added advantage of the “Drainless Tummy Tuck” is that the abdominal skin contours are more defined. In other words, more of a definition, six pack effect, is achieved with the technique. This is because in place of the drains, specialized stitches are placed under the skin attaching the skin more closely and more tightly to the underlying muscle contours creating a more defined appearance and result.

So, come in for a consultation to learn more about the “Drainless Tummy Tuck” and start on your journey to your six pack abdomen.