Drainless Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure option to create a tighter, more toned, and flatter stomach by removing fat, skin, and stretch marks. Originally tummy tucks were performed with Penrose drains and then evolved to the use of bulb suction drains. A drainless tummy tuck uses novel surgical techniques, including quilting sutures, tissue glue, and compression garments to eliminate space where fluid can accumulate. Patients enjoy avoiding postsurgical drains as tummy tuck drains require emptying the bulbs regularly, contributing to increased scarring and contributing to pain and discomfort. Dr. Azouz routinely performs what is known as the drainless tummy tuck in Dallas as he wishes for his patients to have the best plastic surgery experience possible.
Regular vs. drainless tummy tuck
A drain-free tummy tuck permits several advantages:
- Avoids pain and constant maintenance associated with drains
- It does not require the patient to hide drains under clothing
- Removes a possible site of infection with a drain
- Removes another site for scarring
- Excess fat and loose skin can be addressed at the same time through liposuction, even in the absence of drains.
Who is a candidate for a drainless tummy tuck?
Both men and women can undergo drainless tummy tucks in Dallas. Patients who have excessive skin with decreased elasticity to the abdomen, and are in good overall health are good candidates for drainless tummy tuck with Dr. Azouz.
What are the benefits of a drainless tummy tuck?
A few of the benefits that patients report after having a drainless tummy tuck with Dr. Azouz include:
- A flatter stomach
- A more aesthetic feminine figure
- Removal of excess skin
- Improved posture
- Improved self-confidence
An Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) approach for hernia repair and repair of Diastasis Recti:
A tummy tuck is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures for both women and men and is frequently performed by Dr. Azouz on its own or with a hernia repair/diastasis recti repair. Dr. Azouz is also able to assist patients who have hernias, or diastasis after massive weight loss and require a body lift. A tummy tuck can also remove scarring from the lower abdomen due to previous surgery such as Caesarean section (c- section), hernia repair, bowel resection, or appendectomy.
Anesthesia used during a drainless tummy tuck procedure
When performing a drainless tummy tuck procedure Dr. Azouz uses local and sedation anesthesia. Dr. Azouz’s patients report that they experience less post-operative grogginess compared to the use of general anesthesia.
How long is the drainless tummy tuck recovery?
The recovery from a drainless tummy tuck varies between patients and according to the amount of tissue removed through the tummy tuck. Patients wear compression garments for several weeks after surgery to manage the swelling and expedite the entire healing process. Patients typically return to light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks post-surgery. Dr. Azouz will customize the best and most affordable belts, girdles, and binders for the individual patient to be worn after a drainless tummy tuck.
Does a Tummy Tuck Enhance the Belly Button (Navel)?
During a tummy tuck, Dr. Azouz repositions and recontours the navel (belly button) to enhance its cosmetic shape and location. Scars are routinely hidden in the umbilicus (belly button). An umbilicoplasty is routinely performed in a tummy tuck but can vary according to the extent of the tummy tuck (mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, or extended tummy tuck/body lift). The ideal appearance of the abdomen is enhanced by a cosmetic and properly positioned umbilicus framed by well-contoured flanks. Dr. Azouz routinely performs liposuction with all body contouring procedures as it offers more aesthetic results afterward.
Liposuction in combination with a Tummy tuck
Dr. Azouz uses liposuction to remove isolated areas of stubborn fat in the abdomen, flanks, and near the hips. Liposuction helps to tone and sculpt the abdominal contours. Liposuction in combination with a tummy tuck can create a more hourglass shape in women and a more muscular shape with a male tummy tuck.
What Surgery Procedures can be combined with a Drainless Tummy Tuck?
For Women
A “mommy makeover” consists of the following routinely combined with a drainless tummy tuck:
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
- Breast Reduction
- Breast Implant Revision (Capsule removal: Total Capsulectomy)
- Breast Implant Removal
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
For Men
A “Daddy Do-Over” or “Many makeovers” consists of the following routinely combined with a drainless male tummy tuck:
- Gynecomastia Removal/Male Breast Reduction
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
How much does a drainless tummy tuck cost?
The cost of a tummy tuck varies between patients depending on their individual needs. Dr. Azouz will determine the cost of surgery through historical and physical evaluation. Many patients have a diastasis of the rectus abdominus muscles (diastasis recti), hernia, stretch marks. Dr. Azouz provides each patient with a customized and individualized cost. Financing options are available and at times partial insurance coverage may be possible.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Azouz
A tummy tuck can recontour the abdomen after a significant weight loss, pregnancy, or for those who have stubborn belly fat prohibiting their fitness and dieting goals. Call us at (972) 702-8888 or contact us online to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Azouz and take the first step to get your ideal body.
Body Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
A drainless tummy tuck is a safe operation when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Azouz who emphasizes the importance of the best preoperative, intraoperative and post-operative care.
You do not always need drains after a tummy tuck and Dr. Azouz performs a tummy tuck without drains known as a drainless tummy tuck.
Drains are typically left in place between one and three weeks after a tummy tuck. Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. David Azouz focuses on avoiding drains.
Patients can shower with surgical drains after a tummy tuck but many patients find drains to be painful, irritating and high maintenance.
Drain removal is not necessarily painful when performed by a plastic surgeon. Drains can be painful when they have been pulled accidentally.
A seroma may feel like a wave a fluid in the abdomen after a tummy tuck. Dr. Azouz has actually helped many patients who develop seromas after a non-drainless tummy tuck by performing drainless tummy tuck techniques to revise procedures done by other providers and plastic surgeons.