In a traditional tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty), drains (rubber tubes) are placed under the skin to prevent fluid accumulation, or seroma, during recovery. Although drains have been an integral part of the tummy tuck procedure for many years, many patients consider them to be uncomfortable and inconvenient. The drains can often clog, dislodge or be a source of infection. They also leave additional scars where they come out through the skin of the pubic region. Dr. Arie Benchetrit is one of the very few surgeons in North America to offer drainless tummy tuck, a technique that offers a number of benefits for patients.
Enhanced Comfort and Mobility After Surgery
Recovering from traditional tummy tuck involves drain care. Patients must monitor, measure and empty their drains several times a day to avoid seroma from accumulating between the abdominal wall and the skin. Drains are typically in place for several days or weeks (usually from 10 to 14 days after surgery). The process of caring for drains can be a hassle, especially during the first days of recovery when patient mobility is limited and energy is low. Complications from drains, as described above, are not rare, and even in the absence of complications, drains are simply uncomfortable and unsightly, forcing patients to wear baggy clothing in order to hide them.
Drainless tummy tucks eliminate the need for drains by preserving the patient’s lymphatic tissue. The lymphatic vessels are natural drains that carry away any fluid build-up so that synthetic drains are not needed. So why don’t all surgeons preserve the lymphatic vessels? Because this technique is more challenging and meticulous than the standard technique and requires significant surgical experience. Dr. Benchetrit has performed nearly 2,000 tummy tucks and, for the past eight years, has used the drainless approach in almost all cases. Patients can recover without the worry of managing drains or having to conceal them under clothing. Drainless tummy tuck patients are also able to shower sooner than those with drains in place.
Less Risk of Seroma and Other Complications
Drains must be properly taken care of to reduce the risk of infection, clogging or other complications. Without any drains to monitor or clean, drainless tummy tuck patients have a lower risk of complications than traditional tummy tuck patients.
Faster Recovery
In a traditional tummy tuck, the drains are often uncomfortable and cumbersome which can limit a patient’s mobility and slow down their recovery. In general, drainless tummy tuck patients are able to resume normal activities sooner than traditional tummy tuck patients.
To learn more about drainless tummy tucks, please schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Benchetrit, at either our West Island or Downtown locations. Call 514-613-4913 or email our Montreal office today.
