Tummy Tuck
About Tummy Tuck Surgery
Dr Aker offers a drainless tummy tuck. A drainless tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to flatten the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Unlike traditional tummy tucks that often require the placement of drains to remove excess fluid from under the skin post-operation, the drainless tummy tuck uses advanced suturing techniques to close the space where fluid might accumulate. This approach can reduce the risk of seroma (fluid accumulation) and may lead to a more comfortable recovery process, as it eliminates the discomfort and maintenance associated with drains. By promoting a smoother recovery period and potentially reducing the risk of complications, the drainless tummy tuck has become an attractive option for patients seeking to improve their abdominal contour.
Tummy Tuck Procedure Information
An abdominoplasty is a plastic surgery technique commonly referred to as tummy tuck surgery. During an abdominoplasty, skin and tummy fat are removed from the mid and lower abdomen as upper abdominal skin is pulled downward. The muscular wall is repaired by pulling the abdominal muscles tightly back together, thereby narrowing the waistline and strengthening the abdominal wall. As the upper skin is pulled taut downward, a new opening is created for the navel which has been preserved throughout this procedure. Oftentimes, it is necessary to place drains in the abdominal cavity which will stay in place throughout a portion of the tummy tuck recovery period. Recently, however, our surgeons have perfected a new technique that doesn’t require drains at all. Whether or not you are a candidate for our “drainless” abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) will be decided by the physician on an individual basis.
We invite and encourage you to view our before and after tummy tuck photos.
Who is a Candidate
Decision
Preparation
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is not just a physical transformation but a journey that encompasses both mind and body. It’s a step towards not only enhancing your appearance but boosting your self-esteem and comfort in your skin. To ensure you’re fully prepared for this life-changing procedure, it’s important to take comprehensive steps, both mentally and physically. Here’s how you can prepare:
Mental Preparation: Cultivating a Positive Mindset
- Understand the Process: Familiarize yourself with the tummy tuck procedure, potential outcomes, and recovery time. Knowing what to expect can significantly ease any anxieties.
- Set Realistic Expectations: While a tummy tuck can significantly improve your abdominal area’s appearance, having realistic expectations about the outcomes is crucial for satisfaction.
- Support System: Surround yourself with supportive family members or friends who understand your reasons for undergoing this surgery and can provide emotional support.
- Mental Health: Consider speaking with a counselor or therapist if you have any fears or anxieties. Mental readiness is key to a smooth recovery.
Physical Preparation: Ensuring Your Body is Ready
- Medical Evaluation: Undergo a full medical check-up to ensure you’re fit for surgery. Disclose your medical history, medications, and any supplements you’re taking to your surgeon.
- Nutrition: Adopt a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support healing. Avoid crash diets; instead, focus on wholesome foods that can help reduce post-surgery recovery time.
- Smoking and Alcohol: If you smoke or consume alcohol, it’s essential to quit at least four to six weeks before and after surgery, as these can interfere with your healing process.
- Medications: Discuss any medications you’re taking with your surgeon, as some may need to be temporarily stopped before the procedure.
- Physical Fitness: Being in good physical shape can aid in a quicker recovery. Engage in regular, moderate exercise leading up to your surgery, but avoid strenuous workouts a week prior.
- Preparation at Home: Prepare your home for your return from the hospital. Create a comfortable, restful space where everything you might need is easily accessible. Consider meal prep and other arrangements to minimize stress during recovery.
- Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions: Your surgeon will provide specific instructions tailored to your procedure. These may include fasting guidelines and what to bring on the day of your surgery.
Before & After Tummy Tuck
Real Results
View before-and-after pictures of real patients of My Plastic Surgery Group.
Tummy Tuck Operation
The operating room is one of the safest places on the plant. Where else do find yourself surrounded by at least 4 or 5 professionals who’s occupation is to keep you safe? The culture in American operating rooms is one of a team. No longer is the surgeon absolute master. Every healthcare professional has a right and duty to speak up to, comment, or to question. In this way, the patient has at least 8 pairs of eyes and 4 brains with them at all times. While the room feels cold, serious attention is paid to keeping the patient warm. Circulating air blankets, warm IV fluid and body temperature monitoring allow warm tissues to function as they should. Warming the skin prevents infection in a more profound way than any known antibiotic. The initial anesthetic goes in via an intravenous line and sleep follows within seconds. While the patient is asleep, a soft plastic tube is inserted from the mouth into the throat to keep the patient’s airway open to the flow of oxygen. Safety monitoring equipment is watched by the anesthesiologist and nurses continually. The incision across the bottom of the abdomen is made down to, but not through the muscle. The skin and fat are elevated off the muscle towards the navel. The navel is left in place by cutting skin around it. Finally, the skin and fat are lifted up all the way to the bottom of the ribs. At this point, the separation of the rectus muscles that happened during pregnancy is repaired. This reduces the ability of the abdominal contents to protrude out from the lower abdomen. Long, continuous sutures synch the waist in like an internal corset. Uncomfortable for the 1st few days, this is the part of a tummy tuck patient’s appreciate most. It helps to return the abdomen to a pre-baby or pre-overweight look. The patient is then placed in a flexed position so that a maximal amount of skin can be removed. After it’s removal, it is waited and then discarded. Almost all patients are curious about the weight of what was removed. Now for a new innovation brought about by Dr. Harlan Pollock in Dallas, Texas and brought to Indianapolis by our practice; No drains! When the average tummy tuck patient is asked after she is healed what the worst thing about her experience was, she almost always says “The drains.” We perform Dr. Pollock’s drainless technique. It involves the placement of additional sutures to stabilize the abdominal wall and skin together. This not only closes the space drains are normally placed in to, thus avoiding fluid build up, but it distributes the tension of a tight wound closure throughout the abdomen, not just on the scar. Long-term, we feel this will give a better cosmetic result. All sutures are self-dissolving underneath the skin. The last layer is what dress makers would call an invisible hem stitch. We call it a subcuticular closure, but it is the same thing. The dressing is a clear plastic Saran Wrap looking material. It is waterproof, so showering is possible anytime postoperatively.
DR’s Tip on The Drainless Abdominoplasty
When inquiring about the challenges associated with an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, numerous patients highlight the discomfort associated with the drainage system. Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to eliminate excess fat and skin, resulting in a firmer, more sculpted abdominal profile. In traditional approaches to this surgery, the body tends to accumulate fluid between the skin-fat layer and the underlying musculature before these layers fully adhere during the healing process. To manage this, small tubes are strategically placed to facilitate the removal of excess fluid, ensuring a smoother recovery and optimal results.
Recent advancements and studies have illuminated the efficacy of the quilting technique, which notably obviates the necessity for drains while concurrently facilitating progressive skin tightening from the abdomen downwards. In 2002, Drs. Harlan and Todd Pollock introduced their pioneering method for a drainless abdominoplasty. This approach involves meticulous additional suturing of the abdominal tissues to eliminate the space typically necessitating drainage tubes. This innovative concept resonated strongly with our practice, marking a significant evolution in our surgical methodology.
Healing
My Plastic Surgery Group has done upwards of 1,000 abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgeries in Indianapolis and Carmel over the past 10 years and find it’s one of the most rewarding surgeries to perform because patient satisfaction is overwhelming. We look forward to meeting and helping you on this journey.
You might also be interested in learning more about an Extended Tummy Tuck or a Mini Tummy Tuck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Tummy Tuck Cost?
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Contact our office today to get started. Our skilled board-certified plastic surgeons have the years of experience needed to get you the results you deserve.
Denise Reister18 January 2024I saw Nate for laser hair removal today for the third time. I’ve also seen him for Botox injections. He carefully explains everything he is doing. He is such a kind & caring human. I will definitely use him again & again.Peggy Brennan18 January 2024Samantha was wonderful. She definitely knew what she was doing and was also friendly & personable.jennifer foltz17 January 2024The staff is always friendly, professional, and accommodating. Dr. Akers is to the point but listens intently to any concerns (as does the PA!)T B15 January 2024I recently went for a consultation and the staff was very friendly. Dr. Akers was very nice, polite, professional, and respectful. He explained everything really well of what to expect with the procedure I’m interested in. I was very pleased.Angie Duzan12 January 2024I had my consultation with Dr Akers. The office staff and the doctor are all so very friendly. They made me feel very comfortable..I have never felt so welcome in a doctor office as I do with Myplastic surgery group. They are all friendly,knowledgeable on procedures and helpful! Dr. Akers is just the most down to earth doctor I have ever met. I travel from Bloomington and will do it every time.I highly recommend this place. They offer a variety of services! Angie DuzanAmanda Westfall11 January 2024Samantha is an incredible injector. She did my Botox for forehead and crows feet- it was a very positive experience with very little discomfort - thank you so much for keeping me young!Cheryl OBrien10 January 2024I am very pleased with my results of having a tummy tuck with Dr Aker. I am 4 months post op. The before and after pics are astounding! His office staff are always friendly and make sure that I have all my questions answered. I'm so glad that I chose this doctor. I had a great experience overall.marisol Goodan9 January 2024Great overall first experience with my consultation. Dr Reddy and the staff were very professional, knowledgeable and answered all my questions thoroughly.
Meet Dr. Aker
Meet Dr. Beckman
After receiving her medical degree with honors, Dr. Beckman was selected for a highly competitive integrated plastic surgery residency position at Rutgers University, where she rigorously trained in both aesthetic and complex reconstructive plastic surgery for six years. During residency, she developed a strong passion for plastic surgery education and research. She earned several teaching and clinical excellence awards and served as Chief Resident in her final year.
After residency, Dr. Beckman was selected for an aesthetic plastic surgery fellowship position at H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery, one of the nation’s premier aesthetic plastic surgery practices. This additional year gives her the unique opportunity to learn from some of the most recognized names in aesthetic plastic surgery and to train with the most innovative procedures and products available.