Q: I was wondering if there is an alternative to the vertical incision or what your thoughts were? I am 5'10 & 140lbs (photo)
I believe your surgeon is likely referring to the possibility of leaving a small vertical scar if you do not have enough skin excess to close the horizontal incision without excessive tension. During a full tummy tuck, the belly button is relocated by making an incision around the existing belly button. If all the skin from the lower horizontal incision to above where the existing belly button is cannot be removed, then sometimes this needs to be closed as a small vertical scar. Usually this vertical scar can be removed at a later date once the skin has relaxed more if you wish. I always warn patients with less skin excess (such as you) that this is a possibility, but it is rarely necessary. It is difficult to tell without examining you in person, but I think you could likely avoid any type of vertical scar after your tummy tuck.
Emile N. Brown, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Johns Hopkins & Harvard Trained
Q: Would tummy tuck be the best option for a bad lipo? (Photos)
I believe a mini or a full tummy tuck would both improve your abdominal appearance - the difference is that a mini would generally only improve the tightness/appearance of the skin below your belly button, whereas a full tummy tuck would improve both above and below the belly button.
Emile N. Brown, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Johns Hopkins & Harvard Trained
Q: Is drainless tummy tuck better than a regular?
In order to avoid using a drain during a tummy tuck, a surgeon generally places multiple rows of deep resorbable sutures under the skin, which act to eliminate any dead space and prevent shearing forces between the abdominal wall and the skin flap. This decreases the chance of developing a fluid collection (seroma) after surgery and makes drains unnecessary. In my opinion, the pros vastly outweigh the cons and I generally perform only "drainless" tummy tucks. I also routinely perform extensive liposuction at the same time as the tummy tuck.
Pros
+ increased patient comfort/convenience from having no drain after surgery
+ decreased rates of seroma
+ less tension on abdominal skin closure, which may result in better scars long term
Cons
+ takes a bit longer in the operating room
Emile N. Brown, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Johns Hopkins & Harvard Trained
Q: Drainless TT vs drains: Does the drainless procedure have a higher risk of infection?
In order to avoid using a drain during a tummy tuck, a surgeon generally places multiple rows of deep resorbable sutures under the skin, which act to eliminate any dead space and prevent shearing forces between the abdominal wall and the skin flap. This decreases the chance of developing a fluid collection (seroma) after surgery and makes drains unnecessary. In my opinion, the pros vastly outweigh the cons and I generally perform only "drainless" tummy tucks. There is also no increased risk of infection with drainless tummy tucks.
Pros
+ increased patient comfort/convenience from having no drain after surgery
+ decreased rates of seroma
+ less tension on abdominal skin closure, which may result in better scars long term
Cons
+ takes a bit longer in the operating room
Emile N. Brown, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Johns Hopkins & Harvard Traine