Until recently abdominoplasty has required the use of suction drains to prevent accumulation of fluid under the flap of tissue created in a tummy tuck procedure. Drains, in the form of plastic tubing, were sutured to the skin causing discomfort and limiting the patient’s mobility after surgery. Drains could become dislodged, cause pain and irritation. Patients were not even allowed to shower while the drains were still in place. Now, tummy tuck surgery and the additional use of liposuction can be performed without using drains. Dr. Lawrence Gray and Dr. Brannon Claytor have been performing this new method of tummy tuck without drains surgery for 5 years.
In traditional tummy tuck, space is left between the fat and the muscle, which is where fluid can collect, so typically 2 or 3 drain was placed there to remove any fluid that collected. This collection of fluid is referred to as a seroma. The seroma could remain for one to several weeks. The drain is a tube that is brought out through the skin. The patient would have to empty the collection bottle at the end of the drain several times a day recording the amount removed. If fluid collected after the drain was removed, then the surgeon has to remove the fluid using a needle every two or three days until no more fluid collected. Drains used to be in place for weeks. They were uncomfortable and a potential site of infection. Drains can be difficult for patients to manage, are uncomfortable, and must heal after removal.
The new method of tummy tuck surgery uses no drains and eliminates the space for fluid to accumulate. This method removes excess skin and fat by liposuction from the abdomen and then tightens the muscle of the abdominal wall and the skin of the abdomen. Muscle is tightened from the breast bone to the pubic bone and extra skin and fat are removed. The remaining skin is sewn together, closing the space and leaving no room for fluid to accumulate. Progressive tension sutures hold the tissue together controlling abdominal movement during the healing process.
This procedure has important benefits: It gives surgeons a technique to avoid the use of drains when performing a tummy tuck. Tummy tucks, no drains with liposuction at the same time can improve the contours and shape of the abdomen and overall body proportion. Patients are up and about in just a few days. Patients are much more comfortable without drains being attached and having to empty them or have the surgeon withdraw fluid. This method also results in less pain after surgery, and provides a quicker recovery, of critical importance to patients.
Dr. Lawrence Gray and Dr. Brannon Claytor presented their method of “Tummy Tuck with Liposuction: No Drains Needed” at the annual meeting of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in New York City, held April 11th to 16th and will be presenting this same method again at the annual meeting of the Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons to be held in Washington, DC from September 18th to the 21st, 2013. Visit our website at http://www.atlanticplasticsurg.com to read more on tummy tuck, no drains or for more information, call Atlantic Plastic surgery Center at 1-800-633-6860.
About Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center:
Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center is the practice of New Hampshire plastic surgeon, Dr. Lawrence Gray, since 1985. Dr. Gray is nationally and internationally recognized as the inventor of the scarless breast reduction, a revolutionary procedure that eliminates scars associated with the older, traditional method of breast reduction. He has a large following of satisfied patients from across New Hampshire, the United States and a number of foreign countries, who have sought him out for breast augmentation and scarless breast reduction. Dr. Gray has taught at educational conferences for the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and is the only member of the International Society of Plastic Surgeons from New Hampshire. Dr. Mark Ballentyne is a highly skilled physician who has been Director of Medical Aesthetics at the Skin Wellness Center since 2003. Dr. Ballentyne is board-certified by the American Academy of Family Practice Physicians, is licensed to practice in New Hampshire and will be fully certified by the Board of Aesthetic Medicine in September 2011. He has established a strong reputation for his talent in administering dermal fillers, BOTOX Cosmetic and Dysport injections, and Fraxel laser treatments. He is a national trainer for Allergan. Dr. Brannon Claytor is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as in hand surgery. Dr. Claytor is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, offering patients a high level of skill, outstanding training and commitment to excellence in cosmetic, reconstructive and hand surgery. He completed an additional year of training in breast microsurgery, oncologic reconstruction and hand microsurgery at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and was on the teaching faculty of the Lahey Clinic Medical Center. For more details visit us at: http://www.atlanticplasticsurg.com
