Drain Free Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a major plastic surgery that will involve a considerable recovery period. Temporary drain tubes are placed under the incisions sites for the few days after a traditional tummy tuck surgery to drain out excess fluid.

Now a revolutionary new technique called TissuGlu is available to give patients the freedom from drain tubes after a tummy tuck.  

At the time of pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will explain the drain free abdominoplasty procedure to the patient and help them make an informed decision. The magnanimous and reliable Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS), led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin, provides drain free tummy tuck surgery to patients in Richmond, Virginia and surrounding communities and towns in this area of the state.

 

What is TissuGlu?

TissuGlu is an innovative solution, which provides patients the opportunity to go through tummy tuck plastic surgery without the discomfort of having drains inserted below the skin in the incision sites for several days. TissuGlu provides the strength and safety that the patient needs to manage fluid without drains, leading to a smoother, more desirable recovery and improving patient satisfaction.

Drains are perceived by many patients as an obstacle, which will restrict their activities and add to their discomfort during the initial recovery phase after a tummy tuck surgery. TissuGlu eliminates the need for drains using a unique adhesive technique.

TissuGlu is the first and only FDA approved synthetic surgical adhesive for internal use specifically designed with the strength to hold tissue layers together, reducing dead space after abdominoplasty.

TissuGlu creates a strong bond, enabling the tissue to hold together safely during healing. Once the healing is over, the adhesive will disintegrate into harmless components, which will exit the body through its natural metabolic process.  

Resistance Strength of TissuGlu

TissuGlu provides the necessary strength to help leave drains behind after a tummy tuck. The adhesive is more than 10 times stronger than fibrin sealant, allowing the surgeon to provide their patients with a drain-free surgical experience.

It enables the patients to recover more comfortably and return to their normal routine more easily. The multiple contact points of TissuGlu make it strong enough to resist shearing forces of the tissue.

Safety  

The safety profile of this technology has been demonstrated through a prospective, randomized, pivotal study and an FDA panel review. The study evaluated the number of invasive treatments needed for fluid management issues in patients with and without drains over a course of three months.

The study found that the rates of post-operative wound related complications were comparable between the TissuGlu and control (drain) groups. No unexpected device related adverse events were observed.

However, patients should note that not everyone is a candidate for drain free abdominoplasty. Patients with high BMI, undergoing extensive liposuction or with extended tummy tucks may not be candidates. In some instances drains will still be used along with TissuGlu technique to reduce the number and duration of having drains.

Board certified plastic surgeons at VIPS, Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin, receive patients from Richmond, Virginia for drain free tummy tuck.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit

Serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Fredricksburg, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Maryland, Richmond, VA and surrounding communities.