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The traditional method of carrying out a tummy tuck often results in the development of a space that exists between the muscle layer and the overlying skin. This allows a potential space where fluid can collect, and this collection is referred to as a seroma, which can substantially slow down the healing process after a tummy tuck. The usual solution to address this involves the insertion of small plastic catheters or wound drains to remove this excess buildup of fluid and prevent complications. Patients who have a mini tummy tuck do not require the use of drains, making this type of tummy tuck a drain-free tummy tuck.
RELATED: No-Drain Tummy Tuck for Best Recovery
The problem with wound trains is that they often have to be in for at least 3 to 5 days, and for many patients, that could potentially be an uncomfortable period, especially if you have young children where there is a risk of the tubes being inadvertently tugged on.
What does a drain-free tummy tuck involve?
Fortunately, at the Centre for Surgery, as well as being one of the first UK clinics to carry out the Brazilian abdominoplasty, our surgeons also have expertise in carrying out the no-drain tummy tuck surgical procedure. This method of carrying out a tummy tuck is also known as a progressive tension abdominoplasty. This type of tummy tuck closes the potential space that could develop after dissecting the skin from the underlying muscle layer. Special barbed sutures are used to attach the skin to the muscle layer and, therefore, to close any potential space where fluid could collect. The barbed nature of this innovative suture material allows the stitch to be locked off, which can remove the need for a wound drain. The use of barbed sutures for drain-free tummy tucks is just one of the many advanced techniques that surgeons use to make the tummy tuck procedure as safe as possible for our patients.
RELATED: Can I combine liposuction with a tummy tuck?
We are well known for our expertise in carrying out day-case tummy tuck surgery. The drain-free tummy tuck means that patients are now even more comfortable and have a much quicker recovery compared with a traditional form of tummy tuck.
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African-Caribbean Tummy Tuck
Drains After a Tummy Tuck
Surgical drains are tubes placed under the skin at the site of the surgery to help remove any blood or fluid that collects there. This is crucial because the build-up of fluid can lead to complications such as infection or swelling, and can affect the healing process and the final appearance of the surgical area.
The extent of the surgery influences the decision to use drains. For example, a full abdominoplasty, where a large amount of tissue is rearranged or removed, is more likely to require drains to help prevent fluid accumulation. In contrast, a mini tummy tuck, which is less invasive, might not necessitate the use of drains.
Your surgeon will determine whether to use drains based on your specific situation. This decision is influenced by factors such as the amount of excess skin removed, the technique used, and your body’s response to surgery. Drains, if used, are typically removed a few days to a week after surgery, once the fluid accumulation diminishes.
How much does a no-drain tummy tuck cost?
Tummy tuck surgery can transform your body’s confidence, and virtually all types of tummy tuck surgery are not covered by private health insurance. However, having tummy tuck surgery at Centre for Surgery in London is surprisingly affordable compared with many Harley Street clinics. We are pleased to offer a variety of competitive finance plans through our finance partner, Chrysalis Finance. Many patients will often tell us that what they initially thought was an unaffordable treatment subsequently became a fantastic investment in their health and well-being. The price of a no-drain tummy tuck will depend on several factors. When you are seen by one of our plastic surgeons, you will then be given an accurate price by a patient coordinator who will be there to guide you through your journey of having a no-drain tummy tuck.
