Three Recent Advancements that Improve Tummy Tucks

Tummy tucks are about 200 years old, but today’s plastic surgeons thankfully use modern methods and equipment to ensure the procedure is as safe and comfortable as possible—and that the results are beautiful and natural looking as can be for every patient. When it comes to tummy tucks at St. Louis’ West County Plastic Surgeons, our team is always looking to use the most advanced techniques—as well as to share what we’ve learned about the procedure with our patients.

If you are interested in the promise of cutting-edge advancements, or you simply want to know how you can enjoy the stomach-flattening results of tummy tuck surgery, read on to learn more.

Doing Away with Drainage

Abdominoplasty surgery—as the tummy tuck procedure is formally called—has long included the placement of drains to prevent fluid buildup and help improve the recovery process. Surgical trauma can cause the body to react in predictable ways, which includes accumulating fluid between the layers of skin and muscle. If fluid comes in faster than it flows out, the result can be swelling, as well as an increase in the risk of infection.

Unfortunately, a drain requires maintenance, with the patient monitoring it to ensure it is emptying when it needs to. The drain must also be removed at a future date.

Our plastic surgeons now rarely use drains, instead employing sophisticated surgical techniques that prevent significant buildup of fluids in the first place. No excess fluids means no need for a drain. Recovery is easier, which is a definite benefit for patients in the short-term and long-run.

Lowering Pain Levels

Adopting an “Enhanced Recovery Protocol,” paired with the drainless approach, has allowed the West County Plastic Surgeons team to both shorten the post-tummy tuck recovery window and minimize the patient’s need for pain-managing medications after surgery.

The basics behind this protocol are improved preparation, conservative surgical techniques to minimize trauma, and enhanced and focused post-operative care. This three-pronged approach helps patients to feel empowered, gets them mobile more quickly, and reduces the negative side effects long associated with tummy tuck surgery.

Making Marks Less Noticeable

Surgery leaves scars, but West County Plastic Surgeons’ Embrace scar management system minimizes the lasting marks by keeping the tissue well hydrated throughout the healing process. The result is scars that are both lighter and thinner, making them less noticeable in the weeks, months, and years after the procedure.

Ready for an advanced tummy tuck with beautiful results? Call West County Plastic Surgeons at (314) 996.8800 or reach out online to arrange a consultation.