Tummy Tuck-Tummy Talk!
The no drain-Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty surgery
commonly known as “tummy tuck” has been and remains a popular cosmetic
procedure. It is particularly popular among weight loss patients, and is the
classic procedure for women in their late 30s or 40s who had children. The tummy tuck has evolved as a very
effective and satisfactory procedure that will get rid of pregnancy related
changes. Such changes include a
protruding, sagging midsection, loose skin and separation of the rectus muscle
from childbirth. When combined with liposuction and the repair of the diastasis
recti muscle (the separation of the muscles in the mid-section of the abdomen),
a tummy tuck is the treatment of choice.
Today, the approach to abdominoplasty
or tummy tuck has evolved from the traditional one. Patients can now choose
between a mini-tummy tuck, lower tummy tuck, or full tummy tuck with or without
liposuction. In a traditional tummy tuck, the surgeon will typically use drains
post operatively to prevent fluid from accumulating in the space that he
created underneath the skin and fat and above the muscle. “The drains were
behind most of my patient’s complaints the day after and week following their surgery
from pain and irritation at the drain site to problems with showering and moving”
says Dr. Hakki.
Dr Hakki has achieved
great success and excellent results by introducing the “no drain” tummy tuck with the use of a progressive tension sutures (PTS) technique. Some surgeons find that the technique
takes longer in surgery and requires a learning curve. “This may be the case in
the beginning”, according to Dr. Hakki, who now has mastered the technique and
no longer uses drains on his patients. The increase in time is marginal once
you perfect the technique and the results are well worth it. Not only does the technique eliminate
the need for drains but it has been credited with a wide range of benefits.
Using progressive tension sutures helps reduce the incidence of complications
such as the formation of seromas and hematomas. Dr. Hakki believes that PTS allows him to better define the
abdominal contour of his tummy tuck patients giving them more of a “six pack”
appearance in his final result. The technique also allows for a lower scar line, which is
optimal for patients desiring that low cut bikini. Since the progressive
tension sutures technique reduces the tension on the wound, the risk of
hypertrophic scarring is decreased as well. More importantly, the technique has
a very positive impact on the patient’s psyche postoperatively. Patients are
happier, more comfortable and can move around without the nuisance and
limitations of the drains.
Dr. Hakki has achieved
excellent results incorporating progressive tension sutures into his tummy tuck
procedures, and has completely abandoned the use of drain tubes during his
tummy tucks. His patients report positive results and better speedier recovery.
Dr. Hakki is one of a small number of plastic surgeons nationwide to offer the
no drain tummy tuck.
In addition, Dr.Hakki’s superior
tummy tuck results are due to a preferred combination lipo-sculpture-tummy tuck procedure. For the majority of his patients, Dr. Hakki combines liposuction -in
particular of the midriff area- to his tummy tuck. “By eliminating muffin tops
and back fat with liposuction, while at the same time tightening the lower
abdominal skin with the tummy tuck, I avoid the flat and wide look result of a tummy
tuck alone. As an artist, it is my duty to my patients to make them look better,
not just flatter” he says.
If you are interested in
the no drain tummy tuck, please contact Dr. Hakki and Luxxery Surgery Center in
DC and Maryland online at www.luxxery.com or call his office at
800-LUXXERY to schedule an appointment.
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