They say that beauty is pain, especially as no amount of exercise and healthy eating seems to get rid of that loose skin and stubborn fat. But what if there is a better option? Well, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Meredith Vandegrift at Vandegrift Plastic Surgery specializes in an advanced abdominoplasty technique known as the drainless tummy tuck and offers it to patients at her Long Island plastic surgery practice.
The procedure can significantly reduce post-surgical discomfort and pain while providing the same stunning results as a traditional tummy tuck.
Abdominoplasty and Drains – What You Need to Know
A tummy tuck is a procedure to restore a tighter, flatter abdomen after pregnancy, aging, or weight loss. Excess skin and fat are removed from the abdominal area, and the paired abdominal muscles are tightened and sutured together to repair laxity and muscle separation.
As the body heals after a tummy tuck, fluid often collects around the abdominal tissues, leading to complications, so drains may often be used to remove the fluid. These specialized drains are placed under the skin and attached to tubing so that fluid can flow out as the abdominal tissues heal.
Drains can reduce fluid build-up, but they aren’t without problems. Plain and simple, drains hurt. They create areas of discomfort as the body heals. They are also messy and inconvenient, need to be regularly emptied, cleaned, carefully monitored, and removed by a doctor.
While they may be one of the worst parts of tummy tuck recovery, luckily, drains aren’t necessary. Enter the drainless tummy tuck.
What Is a Drainless Tummy Tuck?
With a drainless tummy tuck, Dr. Vandegrift uses special progressive tension sutures to eliminate the need for post-surgical drains. These sutures attach the skin flap to the abdominal wall, eliminating the area where fluid builds up after surgery. No fluid means no drains and a more comfortable tummy tuck recovery.
These special sutures also eliminate tension on the abdominal incision, allowing patients to move more easily after surgery and reducing complications.
Why Don’t All Surgeons Offer a Drainless Tummy Tuck?
A drainless tummy tuck is a superior method for abdominoplasty for most patients, but not every surgeon offers this specialized procedure. The quilted suturing technique used requires more training to master and takes additional time in the operating room. Many surgeons use drains instead of spending the additional time needed for a drainless procedure.
Dr. Vandegrift is one of the few plastic surgeons in Long Island offering a drainless tummy tuck. As an extensively trained board-certified plastic surgeon, she is dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for her patients, even when these outcomes require more effort and time to achieve.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Drainless Tummy Tuck in Long Island?
A drainless tummy tuck is a better way to tighten and shape the abdomen for many patients. Is it right for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Vandegrift to learn more about this specialized abdominoplasty technique and find out if you’re a candidate.
Skip the drains and tighten your tummy. Contact Dr. Vandegrift online or by calling (631) 935-0303 to learn more about her Long Island drainless tummy tuck.