Breast Lift with Implants: What You Need to Know

July 15, 2023/by Dr. David Sieber

Throughout your life, breast tissue in your breasts will inevitably change size and shape. Weight loss and gain, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the simple process of aging all take their toll on this particularly visible part of your body.

If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts, you may have considered a breast lift with implants in San Francisco. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about this procedure and what to expect along the journey.

WHAT IS A BREAST LIFT WITH IMPLANTS?

Combining a full breast lift surgery with implants means undergoing two procedures that are often performed separately.

A breast lift is a procedure that involves lifting the breasts to a higher position. This means relocating the areolas and nipples as well as removing excess skin for breast enhancement and a perkier overall look.

Breast augmentation is slightly different. This procedure involves plastic surgeons adding volume to the breasts by inserting implants beneath the pectoral or chest tissue. Silicone, saline, or gummy bear implants are available — all with different characteristics.

Another option for breast augmentation is fat transfer breast augmentation. This process first uses liposuction to remove fat from areas like the abdomen or buttocks. The fat is then inserted into the breast area to add volume. Breast augmentation with fat transfer is an excellent option for women who only want to add a little bit of breast volume and who could benefit from the liposuction fat removal on other areas of their body.

Fortunately most patients, when a breast lift with implants is performed (implants or fat transfer), you’ll generally benefit from reduced overall surgery time, reduced recovery time, fewer incisions, and a reduced cost of surgery.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A BREAST LIFT WITH IMPLANTS?

Most women are good candidates for breast lift with implants surgery. However, here are some specific ways to know if you qualify silicone breast implants:

1. YOU’RE UNHAPPY WITH THE WAY YOUR BREASTS LOOK NOW.

Some women have been unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts ever since puberty. However, the majority of breast lift with implants patients end up becoming unhappy with their breasts over time.

No matter how you came to the conclusion that you’d like to improve the appearance of breast skin on your breasts and overall silhouette, you deserve to feel confident when you look in the mirror.

2. YOU HAVE UNEVEN BREASTS.

Just like having one foot or hand slightly bigger than the other, breasts can be unevenly-sized too. This is often noticeable in adolescence and continues through adulthood. Significant unevenness without breast implant can make women feel uncomfortable and self-conscious, but a breast lift with implants can generally amend the issue so that it’s completely unnoticeable.

3. LIFE EVENTS HAVE CHANGED THE APPEARANCE OF YOUR BREASTS.

Many life events can cause breasts to lose their once youthful appearance.

For example, weight loss (especially a significant loss of 50 pounds or more) often reveals breasts that lack of volume and droop or sag. Likewise, pregnancy and breastfeeding can take their toll on breasts as well.

Finally, time and the aging process are probably the biggest culprits for breasts that lack perk and volume. Over time, gravity tends to pull breasts down, and they may lose that bounce and youthful look.

4. YOU’RE IN OVERALL GOOD HEALTH.

As with any type of major surgery, you need to be in good physical and mental health before moving forward. Significant health conditions such as a history of breast cancer, being obese, or having a bleeding disorder can put you at a higher risk for complications such as deep vein thrombosis, poor healing, and more. You need to be healthy so that you can fully recover from your surgery and be able to enjoy your new breasts and life.

5. YOU DON’T SMOKE.

Those who smoke have a higher rate of complications when it comes to surgery. Blood clots may form, there is a higher risk of infection, and there may even be a loss of skin after the procedure. Scars may also be wider and thicker, and there may be a delay in wound healing altogether.

WHAT DOES BREAST LIFT WITH IMPLANTS SURGERY INVOLVE?

Before surgery, you’ll need to be approved for the procedure with Dr. Sieber. This means booking a consultation appointment where you can discuss your options, and Dr. Sieber can carry out a short physical examination.

Once approved, you’ll move forward by deciding on the type of breast implants you want. Dr. Sieber can help you decide between silicone, full saline implants, gummy bear, and fat transfer augmentation.

You’ll then be able to book your surgical appointment and make the necessary arrangements for post-surgical recovery. You’ll need to have someone take you home from surgery and ideally provide you with some initial at-home care. Also make sure to take time off from work or school so that you can focus on healing.

THE DAY OF SURGERY AND RECOVERY

Once you arrive at the surgical facility, you’ll be taken to a pre-surgery room and prepped for the procedure. You’ll have a chance to speak with Dr. Sieber, and this is a good time to ask any remaining questions you may have.

You’ll then be taken into breast lift surgery where the augmentation mastopexy procedure will last approximately four or more hours. Initial recovery will take place at the surgical facility, but you should be able to go home on the same day as your procedure in most cases.

Total recovery will last about six weeks with some pain, discomfort, swelling, and fatigue during the first few weeks. It’s important to rest, not lift heavy things, and avoid exercise and physical exertion until you get the “okay” from your surgeon.

Questions and Answers

Can breasts be lifted with implants?

Breast lift with implants is a transformative procedure that combines lifting, rounding, and enlarging the breasts. This surgery is ideal for individuals seeking higher, rounder, and more voluminous breasts. It is an excellent option for those looking to address breast asymmetry or restore lost volume caused by factors such as aging or breastfeeding.

With the skillful artistry of our expert plastic surgeons, you can achieve beautifully contoured and proportionate breasts, tailored to your unique aesthetic goals and preferences.

What is breast lift with implants cost?

Breast lift with implants prices vary on city you live in, if you are having other breast enhancement surgery and several other factors. Visit a board certified plastic surgeons to find out prices.

How painful is breast lift with implants?

The breast lift with implants is gentle and has very minimal bruising, swelling, or discomfort during the healing process.

BOOK YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT

If you’re considering breast lift with implants surgery, are wondering about breast lift with implants before and after photos, or have questions about which cosmetic or breast lift with augmentation procedure might be right for you, call our office to book a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber today.

REFERENCES

Augmentation Mastopexy: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/combining-a-breast-lift-with-breast-implants

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/consultation

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/how-nicotine-sabotages-plastic-surgery

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/mastopexy-breast-lifting-procedures#1

What to Expect With a Teardrop Implant Before and After

Articles

July 13, 2023/by Dr. David Sieber

Teardrop breast implants are perfect for many women seeking breast augmentation. These implants have been increasing in popularity because of the way teardrop boobs emphasize a woman’s own natural shape while providing a modest to significant increase in size.

If you’re planning to undergo breast augmentation surgery and are thinking about getting teardrop implants, this article is for you. We will go over what makes teardrop breast implants special, how they differ from round implants, and what you can expect from your experience with the teardrop breast implant before and after.

Choosing a Shape for Your Breast Implants

The 2 Breast Implant Shapes

Breast augmentation patients have two basic breast implant shape options: teardrop and round. Both types of implants offer pros and cons, but today, we’re mostly going to be examining teardrop implants.

What Are Teardrop Breast Implants?

Teardrop shapes are larger on the bottom than they are on the top, and that’s exactly what the implant profile of a teardrop breast implant looks like. The extra volume on the bottom of teardrop breast implants helps achieve a more natural looking result while also boosting the patient’s breast size.

As opposed to a round implant, teardrop implants also do a great job of pushing out the lower pole of the breasts (the bottom half). Often, when a woman has a petite body type and small breasts with little natural breast tissue, she’ll also have a tighter lower pole. If we want to give this area more volume, which will help the chest look more shapely and feminine, teardrop implants are ideal.

What’s the Difference Between Teardrop Implants and Round Implants?

When it comes to teardrop vs round implants, the basic difference is always going to be shape. Both teardrop and round implants can be filled with saline or silicone (however, mostly, teardrop implants are filled with a silicone gel and are sometimes called gummy bear implants).

In terms of breast implant shapes, round breast implants, as the name implies, are perfectly round and the same diameter from side to side and top to bottom. Teardrop shaped implants have a thicker bottom and a thinner top.

Teardrop implants offer the appearance of a more natural breast to many patients who also want a bit of volume. Traditional round implants can be used to provide a natural look as well, but they’re also used for patients who want high profile implants or implants that give a lot of extra volume — especially on the upper pole of the breast (the tops of the breasts).

Another difference is that a teardrop shaped implant has a textured surface. This is to keep them in place and prevent implant rotation. Because teardrop implants have such a specific shape, if they were to rotate, they would look quite odd and must be fixed.

Round breast implants can have a smooth shell without texturing because if they rotate, it’s usually not noticeable.

Whether you decide to get round breast implants or teardrop breast implants, a skilled and experienced surgeon can help you achieve the breast shape you’re after and your overall desired outcome.

What to Expect With a Teardrop Implant Before and After

Before Your New Teardrop Breast Implants

Prior to your breast augmentation, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with a surgeon. Your surgeon will examine your anatomy and breast tissue. Bring a list of your top concerns to discuss and a recap of your medical history.

Remember that while you may come into your consultation appointment thinking teardrop implants are right for you, sometimes, round implants may be the better fit. Your surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of teardrop implants vs round implants as they pertain to your unique body shape and situation.

From here, if you decide to move forward with breast augmentation surgery — whether you get round or teardrop implants — you’ll find a time to schedule the procedure. As you prepare for surgery, remember to do the following:

Ask for ample time off work for your breast augmentation recovery. Your surgeon will give you an estimate of the time you should take off.
Enlist the help of family and friends. You won’t be able to do some things yourself during your initial recovery period.
Prepare healthy, easy-to-cook meals ahead of time or arrange for a meal service.
Set up a clean, neat recovery area in your home.
Arrange for child care or pet care if necessary.

After Your New Teardrop Breast Implants

After your breast augmentation, take it easy for a while. Follow your surgeon’s instructions to the letter, and do not deviate or you may cause issues to your teardrop implants as they heal or even put your health in jeopardy.

Recovery from any type of invasive plastic surgery requires plenty of sleep, avoidance of physical exertion, lots of water and healthy meals, and a peaceful environment. Your surgeon will have you wearing a compression garment also.

Book a Private Consultation With Dr. Sieber

Only a consultation appointment can tell you whether teardrop implants are right for you.

When you sit down with Dr. Sieber, he will discuss your surgical goals, medical history, and what your breast implant shape options are. He will also examine your anatomy and obtain your personal measurements in order to find the best fit for your teardrop implants. Plus, you’ll get a chance to look at some teardrop implant before and after pictures so that you can get an idea of what your results will be like.

Call today to schedule your consultation appointment with double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-augmentation/about/pac-20393178

Mini Tummy Tuck vs Full Tummy Tuck: Which one is best for you?

Articles

July 13, 2023/by Dr. David Sieber

Excess tissue on the upper or lower abdomen isn’t always caused by unwanted fat. In fact, in many cases, it is stretched out skin that’s causing a flabby, sagging appearance. When this is the case, your plastic surgeon will likely recommend a tummy tuck procedure.

But what kind of tummy tuck?

You actually have multiple options here. By far, the most common type of tummy tuck is the full tummy tuck. However, there is also another type of tummy tuck that is especially intriguing to many patients because it requires fewer and smaller tummy tuck scars. This is the mini tummy tuck.

If you are considering getting a tummy tuck but are unsure whether to get a mini tummy tuck vs full tummy tuck, this article is for you. Below, we’ll go over what each type of surgery entails and how to determine what the best surgery is for you.

MINI TUMMY TUCK VS FULL TUMMY TUCK

Ultimately, the choice between a mini tummy tuck vs full tummy tuck comes down to what your specific goals and needs are. Every patient is different, so we always want to cater the procedure to the patient.

With that said, there are some clear indications that a mini tummy tuck patients vs a full tummy tuck procedure. For example, the most common reason a patient may need to get a full tummy tuck is if they have loose skin all over the abdomen. And to be sure, this is the most common situation we encounter with tummy tuck patients.

The reason for this is that most patients who are interested in tummy tucks are coming to see a plastic surgeon because they have excess skin due to having children or losing a significant amount of weight. In both of these situations, the patient is going to experience excess, droopy, and sagging skin all over their abdomen.

A situation like this necessitates a full tummy tuck, which can address extra skin above the belly button, below the belly button, and even on the sides of the abdomen. Sometimes, with an extended tummy tuck, for example, the procedure can even address more skin around the back of the abdomen on the flanks — also known as the “love handles”.

Naturally, the reason that patients have excess skin all over their abdomens is because of the way they got the extra skin in the first place. That is, women who get pregnant don’t just see stretching of their bellies on one isolated part of their abdomen. They see stretching all over the belly — from directly below the breasts to right over the pubis.

The same situation can be applied to patients who have lost a significant amount of body fat. Body fat isn’t gained in one isolated place on the middle or upper abdomen. It’s gained all over the abdomen in almost all cases. This means that stretching happens all over the abdomen. And again, when this is the situation, you need a full tummy tuck to address all of that loose skin.

With a mini tummy tuck, on the other hand, we can address an isolated area of excess skin. Usually, this means that the mini tummy tuck is reserved for a patient who comes in with just a little bit of flab on their lower abdomen — below the belly button. Perhaps they lost 10 or 20 pounds and the skin simply didn’t bounce back. This may be common in older patients, for example.

In other cases, aging has simply caused an excess accumulation of skin on the lower portion of the upper abdomen.

When all is said, however, this isolation of excess skin on the lower abdomen is fairly rare. Most of the time excess skin occurs all over. And for this reason, we don’t perform many mini tummy tucks.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN Tummy Tuck Procedures?

We’ve discussed who is a good candidate for a full tummy tuck and who is a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck. Now, let’s take a look at the actual surgeries themselves.

First, let’s discuss full tummy tucks. In nearly all cases, full tummy tucks necessitate two incisions. The first incision is going to be the one that most people associate with tummy tuck surgery. It is a lower abdominal transverse incision that runs from one hip to the other.

This will result in a scar. After recovery, however, the scar will not be noticeable because it is so low on the abdomen that it will actually be covered by the patient’s underwear and/or swimsuit bottoms in nearly all cases.

The other incision will be made inside the belly button. This is necessary to cut the abdominal skin away from the naval, and that is done so that we can actually pull down the abdominal skin, stretching it tauter so that it is smoother and flatter.

Doing this is going to change the position of the belly button, so we actually have to make a new hole for the belly button that will be placed over where the naval remains attached to the underlying muscles.

This incision does not leave a noticeable scar either because it is hidden within the belly button.

A mini tummy tuck necessitates only one incision — the same as the first incision we discussed above. It is a lower abdominal transverse incision that may run from hip to hip. However, when it’s a mini tummy tuck, it will usually be shorter — perhaps five or six inches long.

With mini tummy tucks, the belly button incision is not necessary because this surgery does not address excess skin above the naval.

CHOOSING THE BEST TUMMY TUCK Procedure FOR YOU

While the above information will certainly help you discern between a mini tummy tuck vs full tummy tuck, you may still have questions. And by far, the best way to get information and know what type of tummy tuck is right for you is to speak directly with a knowledgeable plastic surgeon who’s performed both of these surgeries before.

Dr. David Sieber a board certified plastic surgeon is the best at fixing abdominal muscles issues in the San Francisco Bay area. If you would like more information about different Tummy Tummy surgery, contact our office today to book a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber.

REFERENCES

https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/mini-tummy-tuck#procedure

Tips for Minimizing Vaser Lipo Scars

Articles

July 11, 2023/by Dr. David Sieber

Vaser liposuction surgery is an excellent treatment for removing excess fat from body parts such as the abdomen and thighs. If you’ve ever dreamt of having a body free from stubborn excess fat, Vaser is the ideal procedure. Other methods, such as traditional liposuction, generally pale in comparison with what Vaser can do to get rid of unwanted fats.

Unfortunately, some patients are concerned about scars. They worry that, despite Vaser lipo being an easy outpatient procedure with a high success rate, Vaser may leave bad visible scarring.

Is the prospect of Vaser lipo scars holding you back from getting the body you’ve always dreamed of having?

Don’t let it! Although some patients will rarely develop hypertrophic or keloid scars on their body, this is extremely rare and will vary depending on your skin type. Despite Vaser liposuction technically being an invasive surgery (because it requires incisions), it should be emphasized that it is a minimally invasive procedure, and scars are hardly visible.

The majority of patients only require minuscule incisions for fat cells to be removed during Vaser lipo, which means … minuscule scars once you’re healed. Still, we want those scars to heal as well as possible — flat, faded, and blended in with the rest of your skin.

And for this to happen, patients must do their part to properly care for their incision sites and manage their scars in the months and years to come. Here are some tips, but first: What are scars?

Why Do Scars Happen in the First Place?

Perhaps one of the only drawbacks to Vaser liposuction is minimal scarring. Really, though, scarring happens whenever your skin is cut, punctured, or incised.

Scars are, of course, the result of wounds. Any surgery that involves incisions is going to mean scarring.

What is actually happening when your skin scars is that your body is recognizing that you have a wound, and it’s trying to repair it as quickly and effectively as possible. Therefore, your body rushes collagen to the incision site to repair the cells there. Collagen is an essential protein that makes up much of your body’s connective tissue.

Over time, collagen is able to repair the incision or cut. The downside is that the new skin and tissue your body creates is different from the surrounding tissue.

That’s why you can tell where you have a scar. Often, scar tissue is raised and a different color. It’s also usually more taught and less flexible. This makes it less durable.

Does Vaser Lipo Leave Scars That Are Noticeable?

No, Vaser liposuction scars are not very noticeable. This is because the initial incisions that are made prior to fat removal are really tiny.

Most Vaser liposuction procedures require small incisions that are just big enough for your skilled surgeon to insert his or her cannula. And most cannulas are just a few millimeters in diameter.

This means that the scars on your body are just going to be a few millimeters long. They are not deep scars.

Today, we also have scar therapy options that can help flatten and smooth out even small liposuction scars. Longer incisions like those that are necessary for a tummy tuck surgery or some knee surgeries or abdominal surgeries, for example, will leave more noticeable scars than Vaser liposuction. Still, even these will fade naturally with time and can be smoothed with scar therapy.

Tips to Minimize Vaser Liposuction Scars

1 – Take care of yourself during your recovery time.

The first step to minimizing the appearance of Vaser lipo scars is to allow your incisions to heal well. Believe it or not, this won’t necessarily happen on its own.

Proper healing begins with rest. After your procedure, take a few days to just relax and not do much. You’ll have some slight pain, swelling, and bruising after your procedure (which is normal), so you’ll probably want to sleep a lot. That’s good.

Taking a short, easy walk a few times a day is generally okay too, but don’t do more than this. Get a good night’s sleep each night, and naps are okay too right now! Be sure to wear your compression garments.

Finally, eat a healthy diet with lots of protein, veggies, and fruits, and drink plenty of water to help reduce swelling during your recovery time.

2 – Avoid sun exposure.

Scar skin is different from surrounding normal skin. It darkens more with sun exposure (UV light exposure), and the darker color is often permanent. Those with melanin-rich darker skin may experience this more than those with lighter skin.

To help your scars better match the rest of your skin, stay out of the sun. If you must go out in the sun, be sure to use a sunscreen with a high SPF, and reapply it every few hours. Of course, you should avoid tanning beds as well.

3 – Harness the power of silicone.

Silicone gel sheets are one of the best at-home treatments for scars. Several studies — and our own experience — have confirmed that silicone can do wonders when it comes to reducing the noticeability of scars over time.

4 – Get extra help with scars if you need it.

Certain individuals may scar more easily (and worse) than others. Some may develop keloid scars.

If you know you scar easily or if you find your incisions seem to be healing poorly, contact us. We can help you determine if an alternative scar therapy such as a laser treatment could help you.

Vaser Lipo Scar FAQs

When will my Vaser lipo scars go away?

This depends on a multitude of factors. First, some people scar more easily than others. Second, if you have a lot of liposuction performed, you’re going to have more incisions, and that means your collective grouping of scars may end up being more noticeable.

The good news about liposuction procedure scars is that over time, almost all of them will fade. The bad news is that this can take between six months and a year to happen.

Does SmartLipo or Vaser lipo cause more scars?

For most patients, the scar sizes that result from SmartLipo and Vaser liposuction are comparable. They are extremely small with both types of liposuction.

How can you soften scar tissue after a liposuction procedure?

Scars should soften over time on their own, but you can help the healing process by using silicone scar therapy. Keeping the area moist with silicone gel sheets or serum will improve the softness and appearance of your scars over time.

Set Up Your Vaser lipo Consultation

At Sieber Plastic Surgery, we want you to love your results. Scar management and therapy is part of the care we provide for patients after their liposuction surgery.

To learn more about managing scars after surgery, or to see if you qualify for Vaser lipo, contact our office today and schedule your consultation appointment with double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber. We look forward to hearing from you!

References

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/scar-treatment-101-what-are-the-first-steps

Who Needs Drains? The Drainless Tummy Tuck Is Here to Stay!

Articles

July 10, 2023/by Dr. David Sieber

Discover the buzz around “drainless tummy tuck,” a revolutionary technique for tummy tucks in San Francisco is gaining popularity among both plastic surgeons and patients. Known as progressive tension suture (PTS) technique, it offers a more comfortable and convenient recovery, eliminating the need for surgical drains. Consider this innovative approach for your tummy tuck journey.

In this article, we’ll explore the drainless tummy tuck technique, including its benefits, how it works, scarring and whether it might be right for you for your body contouring procedures.

DRAINLESS TUMMY TUCK

For many procedures, surgeons commonly put temporary drains in to collect fluid which may accumulate under the skin after the surgery. The reason they do this is because the body does not like to have spaces filled with air, so instead it produces fluid to fill that area. Anything that is removed from the body, whether it’s a lung or some excess abdominal fat, is immediately replaced by fluid to fill in the empty space.

Most of the time the fluid just occupies the space until the body is able to remove it and replace the fluid with scar tissue during the healing.

Sometimes there is too much fluid for the body to remove quickly and it gets trapped in the tissue resulting in something called a seroma. A seroma is simply a collection of fluid the body placed in muscle tissue, there to fill a space during the healing.

To avoid this from happening, surgeons started using drains to collect excess fluid so that it didn’t get trapped underneath the skin. Having drains under abdominal skin works great for removing unwanted fluid, but they are a bit of a nuisance for the patient!

“Some of my patients feel as though they still look pregnant years after having children due to diastasis recti,” says Dr. Sieber. A tummy tuck can flatten and transform the abdomen as it eliminates loose skin and repairs weak abdominal muscles, often secondarily helping with issues like back pain and urinary incontinence.

In order to reduce the amount of space left after a tummy tuck, something called a progressive tension suture (or quilting sutures) was invented. This suture acts like an internal tuft and results in less space into which fluid can collect. In most patients, when these progressive tension sutures are used during a tummy tuck, drains are no longer needed. Studies have shown that by adding these sutures, the incidence of seromas is drastically reduced whether or not drains are used.

Putting in the progressive tension sutures does add a little bit of time to the surgery, but in my opinion the benefits are worth it. The progressive tension sutures can also be placed on separated abdominal muscles in a very precise fashion to re-create the peaks and valleys of an aesthetically pleasing mid-section!

So if progressive tension sutures are so good, why are so many surgeons still using drains? This is in part is because surgeons tend to operate in ways that they feel are most reliable and predictable, and are slow and cautious to implement new techniques.

I believe that it is important to be at the forefront of medicine and to adopt proven techniques popular plastic surgery procedures which have been developed to improve the recovery process and optimize the surgical outcome.

Another option for women post-pregnancy is a mommy makeover which can include a variety of procedures, such as liposuction, tummy tuck, breast augmentation and/or breast lift.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT DRAIN LESS TUMMY TUCK

Are drainless tummy tucks better?

Whether a drainless tummy- tuck recovery procedure is better for you than a tummy tuck depends on your individual needs and goals. Drainless tummy tuck, also known as the progressive tension suture (PTS) technique, is a newer approach to tummy tuck surgery that eliminates the need for surgical drains during the recovery process.

Instead, the surgeon uses a series of internal sutures to secure the skin and tissue in place, reducing fluid buildup and promoting faster healing.

The benefits of drainless tummy tuck include a more comfortable and convenient, smoother recovery process, as there are no surgical drains to manage, and a lower risk of complications such as infection and seroma (fluid accumulation).

Additionally, the internal sutures used in the PTS technique may promote better healing and more natural-looking results.

However, it’s important to note that not all patients are good candidates for a drainless tummy tuck. Patients with a history of seromas or other complications may still require surgical drains, and those with significant amounts of excess skin or muscle laxity may need a traditional tummy tuck to achieve their desired results.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue a drainless tummy tuck or a traditional tummy tuck procedure should be made in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can evaluate your unique situation, discuss your options, and recommend the best approach to help you achieve your desired outcome.

What happens if you don’t drain after tummy tuck?

After a tummy tuck surgery, the body naturally produces fluid in the surgical area as a part of the healing process. In traditional tummy tuck surgery, a surgeon typically places surgical drains to help remove excess fluid from the area to prevent fluid buildup, which can lead to complications such as seroma (fluid accumulation).

If a patient does not properly drain after a tummy tuck, this fluid may accumulate under the excess skin and fat there, causing swelling, discomfort, and increased risk of infection.

In the case of a drainless tummy tuck, also known as progressive tension suture (PTS) technique, internal sutures are used to hold the skin and tissue in place, reducing the amount of fluid buildup in abdominal area and eliminating the need for surgical drains.

However, even with the PTS technique, some degree of fluid buildup can occur, and it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing.

If fluid buildup occurs after a tummy tuck, your surgeon may need to perform a drainage procedure to remove the excess fluid. In some cases, this may require additional surgery, which can prolong the recovery time and increase the risk of complications.

To minimize the risk of complications and ensure a smooth recovery after a tummy tuck, it’s important to carefully follow all of your surgeon’s instructions, including caring for any surgical drains or incisions, managing pain and discomfort, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

Is there more swelling with a Drainless tummy tuck?

Swelling is a natural part of the healing process after any surgical procedure, including tummy tuck surgery. However, it is possible that patients may experience more swelling with a drainless tummy tuck compared to a traditional tummy tuck or breast surgery that uses surgical drains.

This is because the use of surgical drains in traditional tummy tuck surgery can help remove excess fluid from the surgical area, which can reduce swelling.

In a drainless tummy tuck, also known as the progressive tension suture (PTS) technique, the surgeon uses a series of internal sutures to hold the skin and tissue in place, eliminating the need for surgical drains. While the internal sutures can help reduce the amount of fluid buildup and the risk of complications such as seroma, some degree of swelling is still possible.

However, it’s important to note that the extent of swelling can vary depending on the individual patient and the extent of the surgery. Factors such as the patient’s age, weight, and overall health, as well as the surgical technique used, can all affect the amount of swelling experienced during the recovery process.

To minimize swelling after a tummy tuck, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions carefully, including wearing compression garment, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activity during the initial healing period.

Your surgeon may also recommend techniques such as lymphatic massage or ultrasound therapy to help reduce swelling and promote faster healing of your abdominoplasty surgery.

CONTACT US TODAY FOR DRAIN LESS TUMMY TUCK

If you’re thinking about getting a tummy tuck or a mommy makeover, ask if you’d be a good candidate for a drain-less tummy tuck. For more information on a drainless tummy tuck or to schedule a consultation give us a call at 415-915-9000.