A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY
Abdominoplasty at Nesmith
Plastic Surgery Center
Dr. Nesmith has been a Gainesville tummy tuck expert for more than 25 years. His wealth of experience allows him to be up-to-date with the latest procedures, such as the do-drain tummy tuck. Dr. Nesmith and his staff prioritize each patient to give them the best treatment and the safest environment.
Full Tummy Tuck
Mini Tummy Tuck
No-Drain Tuck
What is a no-drain tummy tuck?
Just like a full tummy tuck, a no-drain tummy tuck removes excess abdominal skin and fat and then stretches the remaining skin to reach the pubic area. The drainless tummy tuck technique uses liposuction and progressive tension sutures that eliminate the need for post-surgical drains.
Traditional tummy tucks usually require your surgeon to secure drains into the space between your skin and the layers of fat and muscles in your body that is created from surgery. These drains facilitate recovery by collecting the liquid that fills this gap and preventing fluid buildup, or seroma.
During the recovery process, patients must drain excess fluid from these tubes and measure the amount daily until the tubes are removed. This task becomes unnecessary with a no-drain tummy tuck.
No-drain tummy tuck procedure
During the surgery, Dr. Nesmith will make a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen and then use liposuction to remove skin and fat. Only a limited amount of fat will be removed, so if you have multiple fat rolls, you may want to get traditional liposuction procedures.
Dr. Nesmith will tighten the abdominal muscles ranging from your pubic bone to your breastbone. Finally, the remaining skin will be sewn together using a multiple suturing technique. Also called a "quilting" technique, this process layers sutures in a way that pulls tissues and closes spaces, leaving no room for fluid buildup.
The necessary incision can be performed as low as you prefer, but it will produce a scar from one hip to the other.
Drainless tummy tuck recovery time and healing process
Following the procedure, you will be sent home. It is recommended for you to have a caregiver stay with you for a week in order to help you avoid unnecessary work.
You are encouraged to do light movement, like walking, to increase circulation and prevent blood clots following surgery. You will be able to walk and go to the bathroom, but you should not lift any heavy objects.
Common side effects following a drainless tummy tuck include pain in the area mostly caused by muscle spasms in your abdomen. Because these muscles have just been tightened, it will take a while until they have adjusted. Dr. Nesmith will provide you with pain medication.
After one week, you will be allowed to return to work, but you should avoid any demanding activity. Six weeks following surgery, you will be permitted to perform your usual activities.
Can a tummy tuck scar be hidden?
Depending on the type of tummy tuck, the scar can be limited to your bikini area or can be extended toward your hips. It depends on if there is a need to remove more tissue. The scar is usually very low on your abdomen and can be easily concealed by underwear or even your bikini. Like other surgical scars, a tummy tuck scar generally fades to a fine line over time.
Large amounts of excess skin may require a longer incision or a vertical incision. Your surgeon will review the specifics of your surgery procedure during a consultation.
Who are the ideal candidates?
You may be a good candidate for a drainless tummy tuck if:
You may NOT be a good candidate if:
- You have excess abdominal skin caused by childbirth or drastic weight loss.
- A healthy diet and exercise have not eliminated excess fat.
- You have a naturally protruding abdomen.
You may NOT be a good candidate if:
- You have a large, tight stomach. You will need to lose more weight before this procedure.
- You can pinch your skin but are not able to actually hold it in your hands. Dr. Nesmith may recommend a different plastic surgery procedure.
- You plan to have future pregnancies. You should complete your family before getting your no-drain tummy tuck.
Pros and cons of a drainless tummy tuck
All abdominoplasty procedures, including mini tummy tucks and no-drain tummy tucks, are accompanied by a risk of infections, bleeding, and/or seromas. It is important to follow your surgeon's recommendations for post-op care to ensure the best results and optimal recovery.
Because of the technique used in surgery, no-drain tummy tucks have been shown to have fewer infections and a quicker recovery time than traditional tummy tucks. Additionally, patients do not have to keep up with monitoring drains during their recovery. These benefits make drainless tummy tucks a popular choice for our patients at Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center.
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