What Is a Drainless Tummy Tuck Procedure?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure is designed to remove excess loose skin and tighten up loose abdominal muscles following dramatic weight loss. Although tummy tuck patients are happy with the results they get from the procedures that our surgeons at Jefferson Plastic Surgery perform, there’s no doubt that the surgical drains that are left in place afterward can be difficult to manage.

Fortunately, a new technique in closing up the incision after performing the tummy tuck can eliminate the need for surgical drains. This makes patients more comfortable during the healing period after surgery, may shorten the recovery process, with produce better post-operative results. What are some of the problems with surgical drains used in the traditional tummy tuck technique, what is the drainless technique, and how is it superior to the traditional technique?

Problems with Surgical Drains

In a traditional tummy tuck procedure, suction drains are inserted in the space between the tissue and the underlying muscle, with a drain leading out of the body that is then attached to a collection bulb that will hold any fluids or blood that build up in that space. These are usually left in place for at least a week, but sometimes longer, depending on how much fluid and blood is draining out.

The bulbs must be emptied and the collected contents measured two or more times each day. Common complaints about surgical drains from our patients include:

• Pain at the exit site of the drain
• Pain from accidental tugging of the drain or suture securing it
• Infection at the drain suture site
• Pain from drain removal
• Difficulty with activities such as bathing
• Scarring at the drain incision sites
• Prolonged wound healing

Drainless Technique

With the drainless technique, the space between the abdominal muscles and the underlying tissue is sutured together with dissolvable stitches, rather than being left open for the surgical drains. In some cases, our surgeons will also administer a timed-release local anesthetic that can relieve post-operative pain for up to 72 hours following surgery.

Potential Advantages to Drainless Technique

The main advantage is the lack of surgical drains. This may make the drainless technique preferable for a mini tummy tuck, which only addresses the lower abdominal region and is not as involved as a full tummy tuck. The body should naturally absorb any fluids from the procedure.

Another advantage can be the use of the extended local anesthetic, which may be helpful in getting patients moving around as much as possible the day of surgery. Moving around keeps the body’s circulation moving and reduces the buildup of blood and fluids. The sooner the body’s circulation is improved following surgery, the more quickly the patient will start to heal.

A tummy tuck can transform your life, but the post-operative period while you are dealing with surgical drains can be frustrating and sometimes painful. You may find that you are a good candidate for a drainless tummy tuck instead. Our surgeons will be happy to discuss that option with you at your consultation visit.