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Opinions On No Drain Tummy Tuck?

I read more and more about people getting a "no drain tummy tuck" but I don't see comments from Doctors as to if this is recommended over the regular tummy tuck. Are there Doctors in Illinois that perform a "no drain tummy tuck"? Are there additional risks to this procedure? Is there an additional cost to this procedure?

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27 Doctor Answers | Asked by Erin Woodridge in Woodridge, Illinois

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Opinions On No Drain Tummy Tuck?

There ha been a quoted risk of about 20% for developing a seroma following a tummy tuck, using traditional techniques and WITH the use of drains. In recent years a "quilting technique" was proposed where multiple dissolvable sutures are placed between the undersurface of the tummy "flap" and the underlying abdominal wall fascia prior to closure to reduce the large open space that could potentially fill with seroma fluid. Some surgeons who starting using this... more

No drain tummy tuck is a great improvement over the old technique

I have been using the no-drains tummy tuck for two years now and I am very happy with it. For patients the biggest thing is the lack of drains, so less hassle and discomfort after the surgery. However I like this technique because the tighter abdominal closure allows me to place the scar lower and have less tension on it which leads to a better looking, more hidden scar. The extra time it takes to do is about 10 minutes. Well worth it. Sincerely, Martin... more

No drain tummy tuck

I have used both traditional drains and a technique that allows for avoiding drains, which can be irritating to patients and do not always prevent seromas anyway. Currently, I use a technique that involves progressive tension sutures that eliminate the space where fluid can accumulate. While it does take a little longer in the operating room, the end result is that patients do not need to care for drains and have them removed and patients have very few seromas (and there is no... more

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Hi Erin; The question of drains is one that has been debated continuously for the 15 years I've been in practice. While there is still no definitive answer, I subscribe to the idea that patients should plan to have a drain and be thrilled if they wake up without one. Drains obviously help limit the amount of fluid that can accumulate under the skin. In addition, they act as an early indicator of abnormal bleeding. So do drains always eliminate potential problems. NO !! Even... more

Drains or No Drains for TT

The use of drains in a tummy tuck is a little controversial at the moment. i use them as I suspect the majority of surgeons do. Obviously patients would prefer not to have them bit they serve a purpose, specifically to reduce the chance of getting fluid accumulate beneath the skin, also something docs and patients would prefer not to have. The use of drains doesn't have anything to do with the actual technique though, as if a "no drain" tummy tuck is better than a... more

Drains and tummy tuck

I use drains for tummy tucks with or without a quilting technique. The risk of accumulating fluid is high in tummy tuck and dains are an excellent way to divert this fluid until the body has the capacity to absorb the remaining amount.

Tummy tuck without drains

There are surgeons who are able to perform an abdominoplasty without drains. I tried the technique a few years ago but found that I was not able to consistently prevent seromas so I did not think it worth the extra time. Also, we are performing more liposuction of the abdoman at the time of abdominoplasty and thus have a greater need for drains. So the bottom line is that is if your surgeon can get a good result without drains, fine. Just don't be the first patient he or she... more

No-drain tummy-tuck

There are advantages and disadvantages to both techniques, also remember that one operation does not fit every patient. I use both a standard and no-drain abdominoplasties in my practice and feel that both give excellent results. The technique I use depends on the individual situation and desires of each patient. Since surgeons have been using an internal quilting technique, the incidence of seromas has almost dropped to zero. The amount of time drains have... more

Yes, it can be done

Yes, some surgeons will do a suture underneath the skin to close the dead space. I always use drains because i feel more comfortable using them. The risk is that the sutures do not close the space and fluid will accumulate, which is a complication which can handled. see video

Opinions On No Drain Tummy Tuck?

Great question. Very different opinions. After over 30 years of TT's, trying both methods I find the following: It takes 30 to 50 minutes longer to use the "quilting" suture techniques so add extra fees for operating room, staff, anesthesia, drugs approx $400 to $800 more. Next, If a seroma or hematoma occurs I would be very concerned of an issue of falling below the "standard" in TT's. But I use the "no drain" option if the patient signs a full... more

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