The Drainless Tummy Tuck with TissuGlu®
- Posted on: Dec 4 2017
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What is A Drainless Tummy Tuck?
Have you heard about the “drainless tummy tuck”… but have no idea what that means?
Traditionally, after a tummy tuck, surgeons use drains to collect the fluid that builds up between the layer of repaired muscle and the abdominal tissue. The drains empty into external collection chambers which patients monitor and empty many times over the course of several days. Over time, the skin and muscles come together and begin to heal, but until that point, the drains are important to prevent seroma (i.e. fluid accumulation under the skin).
Here’s the downside: drains are hard to hide under clothing, can cause scarring, and sometimes hurt when coming out.
A drainless tummy tuck is now possible for select candidates* by using TissuGlu® Surgical Adhesive.
During the tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Restifo attaches the abdominal tissue and muscles using TissuGlu®. This eliminates the pockets where the fluid would normally accumulate, and where drains would typically sit. The fluid has nowhere to go, so the body just reabsorbs it.
See the official TissuGlu® Brochure for a more detailed explanation of how a tummy tuck is performed and how TissuGlu® works.
How Safe is TissuGlu® for a Drainless Tummy Tuck?
TissuGlu® is the first and only FDA-approved synthetic surgical adhesive currently approved for internal use. It creates a strong, secure bond between tissues, helping to facilitate the natural healing process so patients can recover without drains.
In a clinical study, those who had TissuGlu® returned to everyday activities (showering, driving, returning to work) sooner without the discomfort, inconvenience, and scarring associated with drains.
Dr. Restifo is one of a select number of specialized surgeons who is currently “TissuGlu® Drain-Free Certified” and able to provide you with a drain-free tummy tuck experience.
That said, if you’re not a good candidate for TissuGlu®, Dr. Restifo will not recommend it. Safety is always his first priority for getting exceptional results. During a consultation, he will be candid about the best options for each patient’s unique needs.
Who’s a Good Candidate For TissuGlu®?
As of now, a drainless tummy tuck works really well for some, but isn’t the ideal solution for others.
Patients who are within ten pounds of their ideal body weight are the best candidates for a drainless tummy tuck using TissuGlu®.
Larger patients tend to generate more fluid during a tummy tuck. Studies are still ongoing related to the efficacy of TissuGlu® in heavier patients for certain procedures.
For patients who are not good candidates for a tummy tuck with TissuGlu®, Dr. Restifo can still minimize the fluid accumulation and reduce the amount of time that drains are necessary. He does this by using advanced suturing techniques that he’s mastered during 25+ years in specialized practice.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a tummy tuck, and still have questions? Check out the FAQ section and procedure animations.
Wondering what kind of difference a tummy tuck can make? See the Before & After Photo Galleries.
Ready to schedule your consultation? Contact us now.
Tagged with: Drainless Tummy Tuck, TissuGlu®
Posted in: Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck
