TRYING HARD TO FIND DRAINLESS TUMMY TUCK DOC

Drain less tummy tucks arevoften performed with internal quilting futures or what are sometimes called progressive tension sutures. Some surgeons also spray fibrin glue internally as well. I’m not sure why you were so reluctant to have drains. Drains are usually removed within about a week or so for most patients. I do not think that going drainless adds any advantage Patients can develop seromas and hematomas as well. I do all the other procedures you desire as well. Good luck.

I perform drainless Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck) on patients whose weight is normal for their height. I continue to use drains in the obese and massive weightloss patients because their vessels are larger and they have a higher incidence of bleeding and seroma. My patients are happier not to have drains. With or without drains, the final results should be the same.

Although I understand and appreciate your desire to have a tummy tuck done without the use of drains, the decision to use them is made at the time of surgery and based on the actual findings at that time I don't think that any reputable surgeon would guarantee that no drains would be used, but would proceed with the surgery with the understanding that if it was appropriate at the time of surgery, no drains might be necessary. Trust that your surgeon will make the decision that is best based on the circumstances of each case. Best wishes.

The use of drains in any operation is a matter of surgical judgement and a responsible surgeon will not bend to the patient's preference. Most surgeons use suction drains which are painless, easy to care for at home, and reduce the likelihood of seromas and hematomas. I think you should select your surgeon based on other criteria.

The drains help to out fluids of the surgical spaces and protect the surgery and your health. The use of drains is the best way to get results of the surgery.

Drainless tummy tucks use progressive tension sutures (PTS) to help close off the space under the flap. I have been using PTS for more than 20 years, and although the amount of fluid output in the drains is much less, it is not zero. I prefer to use drains to minimize the risk of seromas, and remove them early. I do believe it helps achieve a lower scar, and shape the abdomen.

Thank you for sharing your excellent question. Each surgeon approaches a patient's tummy tuck differently based on the exact procedure to be performed. I would seek out a series of surgeons in your area to discuss your concerns and to have the best recommendation made. Drains can be irritating, but are typically removed in 7-14 days time. Best wishes.

We often avoid the use of drains in both tummy and breast surgery but it depends on the individual patient.

Drains are not as bad as you think! You really should have an open discussion with any doctor with whom you consult. The most important thing is to do the right thing for each individual patient. "Drainless" surgery in some cases increases your chance of seroma requiring drainage later. Make sure you talk with a board-certified Plastic Surgeon and have an open discussion about all aspects of your surgery, concerns, and desires. Be cautious about a surgeon who will do whatever you request without discussion the risks, benefits, and alternatives of each option in the decision making. Good luck!

I personally do not believe that progressive tension sutures create a flatter contour or aid in lowering the position of the scar. Drains, although a nuisance to many patients, reliably reduce the collection of fluid under the skin and aid in providing a flatter contour and reducing the possibility of revision surgeries. Best of luck

I've been performing progressive tension suture abdominoplasties for many years. They work well in my patients and I do not use drains when I use that technique. The main advantage is avoidance of a drain. The scar location is independent of the method used and flattening is more a result of the extent of muscle plication, in my experience. As you can see, not every surgeon uses that method. If you are willing to travel to either Philadelphia or Beverly Hills, I would be happy to help you. We also offer virtual consultations for my out of town patients, along with hotel relationships and local transportation while you are being treated.

I have not used drains in a number of my TT patients. I was using a tissue glue but they have since gone out of business. So, I do emplyee the tension sutures which work but seromas do still occur.

Dr. Edward Jonas Domanskis is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Newport Beach, San Francisco,Miami, EU, Anguilla

Assistant Clinical Professor of SurgeryWOS-Plastic,University of California (Irvine)

Orange County’s Physician of Excellence/America’s Top Physicians/Top Doctors

Plastic Surgery- 2005-2018

President,American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons

Organoderm Skin care/ScaRxTape

Many surgeons (including myself) will perform a drainless tummy tuck in the right patient. I would recommend calling around to the board-certified plastic surgeons in your area to find someone local.

Best of luck to you!