With the warmer weather quickly approaching, many people are growing concerned about their figures and are rushing to the gym or going on crash diets. Unfortunately, the stubborn fat in the abdomen is notoriously resistant to exercise.
A surgical tummy tuck can dramatically improve the appearance of your belly, slimming and toning the midsection by tightening the six-pack muscles and trimming excess skin and fat. But while conventional abdominoplasty requires uncomfortable drains as a component of recovery, Dr. Macias at Aesthetic MdR offers an innovative alternative: the drainless tummy tuck.
What sets the drainless tummy tuck apart?
The drainless tummy tuck can provide a smoother recovery process, less pain, and decreased risk of infection when compared with traditional abdominoplasty. During the surgery, Dr. Macias tackles several goals at once. He will combat the muscle separation that occurs after pregnancy or significant weight loss, remove sagging skin and reposition the belly button in a natural and attractive manner.
What are progressive tension sutures?
A technique called PTS (progressive tension sutures) is used to secure the belly tissue in such a way that it heals without a buildup of fluids. This is a breakthrough medical approach that not only makes drains obsolete, but also minimizes the risk of complications, improves aesthetic results, and expedites recovery. The patient is able to sit upright after surgery and engage in normal physical activity. Scarring is greatly reduced by using this method as well.
What is recovery like?
Just like a conventional tummy tuck, the drainless tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia. Therefore you will need someone to drive you home and assist you for the first 24 hours of your healing process. Most clients take about 2 weeks off from work and social activities. Exercise will have to wait for about 6-8 weeks, but you can go for gentle walks, which helps promote circulation and a positive mood. While there is some pain associated with the drainless tummy tuck, it is less than with conventional abdominoplasty. You will receive prescriptions for pain relief medications as well as a compression garment to help minimize your swelling.
Am I a good candidate for a drainless tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck can contour and sculpt the abdomen, tighten the six-pack muscles and remove excess skin and fat, but it is not considered a weight-loss method by any means. You should be at or close to your ideal weight at the time of your surgery. Patients who struggle with loose skin and stubborn fat in the midsection will make excellent candidates, provided they are healthy, non-smoking, and have realistic expectations. Many clients choose a tummy tuck as part of their mommy makeover after pregnancy, after they have undergone massive weight loss, or in order to combat the physical signs of aging in the lower body.
What is the takeaway?
If you are interested in abdominoplasty but you’re concerned about the lengthy recovery time, discomfort, and scarring, you may be delighted to find out that a drainless tummy tuck has significant advantages over conventional techniques and can offer an innovative alternative. Dr. Macias is excited to explain the benefits of the drainless tummy tuck to you during your private consultation in Santa Monica. Call today to get started!
