Ways a Drainless Tummy Tuck Can Change Your Life

A plastic surgery procedure that can change your life might sound a bit extreme.

But a drainless tummy tuck could make such a huge difference in how you both feel and look, it very well may change your life.

Plus, recovering from tummy tuck surgery now is far less daunting than it once was in the past. That’s because the procedure has done away with those pesky drains.

Add to that the magic of Exparel and there’s no time like the present to consider what a tummy tuck can do for you.

Say Goodbye to Drains

If you have a friend who once had abdominoplasty – the doctorly term for a tummy tuck – he or she may have told you about the hideous drains that were part of recovery. You’ll be glad to know that today, they are no more.

That means no trying to figure out how to manage the inconvenience of two or even three drains and their wires coming off your body post surgery. Furthermore, gone is is the possibility of bacteria entering through the portal entries created by said drains and hoses.

Progressive tension sutures have done away with all of that.

Before these revolutionary sutures were developed, surgeons would have to lift and reposition the tissue in such a way that it left a space beneath the tissue. This was an invitation for fluid to gather there and thus the need for drains. The newer procedure calls for the surgeon to instead advance the skin flaps down toward the incision line – doing away with that space and the subsequent need for drains.

Not only do these sutures decrease the tension on the final line of closure, but they have the added bonus of creating a much more aesthetic scar too. This all equates to a smoother and faster recovery as well – especially with Exparel now in the mix.

What Is Exparel?

Before the development of Exparel, narcotics were the go-to medications for keeping post-surgical pain under control. But along with the possibility of becoming addicted, the side effects of narcotics are unpleasant.

Responsible plastic surgeons are now incorporating Exparel to lessen the need for as many narcotics. Exparel is a long-lasting anesthetic drug that eases some of the pain during early recovery by blocking the nerves of the abdomen during the procedure.

It’s similar to having your mouth numbed for a dental procedure. In this case, the patient wakes up with the abdominal area numbed. Unlike with a dental procedure though, Exparel continues to provide pain relief for up to three days.

This doesn’t eliminate the pain during recovery, but it DOES reduce the amount of narcotics needed by around 66%.

How Can a Drainless Tummy Tuck Change Your Life?

At its most basic level, a tummy tuck will give you a smoother and flatter abdomen. It removes excess skin and fat, while tightening any weak or distended muscles. On its own, that’s plenty of motivation.

But did you know it can help with back pain too?

Chronic back pain can be debilitating. Following a tummy tuck, it’s common for patients to notice that their posture has significantly improved. Improved posture means less strain on the spine and relief from certain types of back pain.

Furthermore, while not considered a weight-loss procedure, bariatric patients who undergo abdominoplasty to reduce the size of their stomach are more likely to keep the weight off. Managing weight and avoiding weight gain is especially important for those with diabetes. Given that weight has a significant effect on the occurrence of insulin resistance, keeping weight off is essential in better utilization of insulin.

If you’re still not convinced a tummy tuck could change your life for the better, consider the fact that it can reduce Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) – better known as “leakage.” It can also correct an umbilical or ventral hernia.

Finally, you’ll be able to exercise harder and more frequently after a tummy tuck because you’ll have increased exercise tolerance. And a regular exercise regimen also decreases anxiety and depression. All of this will have a direct impact on your health and wellbeing.

Are You Ready to Change Your Life?

Now that you know the many benefits of a drainless tummy tuck, are you ready to start feeling better about how you look AND feel.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Our board certified plastic surgeons will go through all of your options and address any of your questions or concerns to put your mind at ease.

And see how a tummy tuck can change your life for the better.