Long gone are the days when tummy tucks required many weeks of recovery. Today’s technological advancements are allowing you to get the results you want in less time and with less discomfort.
The idea of the abdominoplasty was born from ingenuity on the battlefield during World War I. The procedure at that time was more targeted at covering battle wounds and supporting healing than it was a cosmetic procedure, but these innovative techniques laid the foundation for helping not just wounded soldiers but individuals with birth defects and yes, the battle scars of pregnancy and weight stress.
Luckily, we live in a society that takes good things and makes them even better. Medical professionals are constantly working to refine and improve procedures to make them less stressful, less time consuming and more effective overall.
The mini tummy tuck and the drain-free recovery process are two such advancements that provide better results and easier recovery times than ever before.
Not long ago, people who have been interested in getting a tummy tuck but only sought to correct sagging and bulging below the navel still had to have a full abdominoplasty. However, new surgical advances have paved the way for a procedure that is less invasive for those needing minimal revisions. The partial abdominoplasty, more commonly known as the mini tummy tuck, is for people whose trouble spots fall below the belly button only. Mini tummy tucks are often performed as an outpatient surgery and require less downtime for recovery.
Drains have been an integral part of the abdominoplasty procedure, helping rid the body of natural fluid buildup between the abdominal wall and the newly lifted tissue. However, these drains can be a major inconvenience during the recovery process. Drains come with their own set of risks including clogging or crimping of the hoses. People often find drains to be awkward, inconvenient, and difficult to conceal behind clothing – making recovery much more restrictive.
Progressive tension sutures have made drainless tummy tucks possible. Surgeons use a quilting technique that secures the abdominal skin to the underlying tissue layers, creating a tighter bond and leaving little room for fluid to build up. This effectively eliminates the need for drains. By using progressive tension sutures, surgeons are able to make the incision much lower and therefore easier to conceal, and because this technique reduces tension on the incision site, most individuals experience a less visible scar.
Without the annoyance of drains, people are able to manage their daily activities with reduced discomfort. The combined lipo-abdominoplasty sculpting and shaping tummy tuck technique that I use eliminates the need for drains, and my patients are able to enjoy a much smoother recovery because of this.
Today’s modern advancements have made plastic surgery much more accessible and recovery after surgery much easier. With the options of less invasive surgery and drain-free convenience, more and more people are experiencing less downtime, less discomfort and better results. It is important to note that tummy tuck recovery times can vary depending on which procedure you choose and your personal goals. Doing your research ahead of time and discussing your goals with a board-certified plastic surgeon will ensure you choose the right procedure for optimal results.