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Advanced Abdominoplasty, Performed by Richmond's Most Trusted Surgeons

At the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, Drs. Burton and Reps Sundin bring decades of combined surgical experience and advanced fellowship training to every procedure they perform. Both board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the Sundin brothers are committed to adopting the most advanced techniques available, including the drainless abdominoplasty in Richmond, to deliver superior results with a more comfortable recovery experience for their patients.

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What Is a Drainless Tummy Tuck?

A drainless tummy tuck is an advanced form of abdominoplasty that eliminates the need for post-surgical drains. Traditional tummy tucks require patients to manage external drain tubes for up to a week after surgery to collect excess fluid and monitor output daily. The drainless technique replaces this with progressive tension sutures (PTS), sometimes called quilting sutures, which are dissolvable stitches placed internally to secure tissue layers to the abdominal wall. This closes the space where fluid would otherwise collect, significantly reducing the risk of seroma (fluid buildup) and allowing the body to heal more naturally from within. The result is the same flatter, firmer abdomen achieved with a traditional tummy tuck, with less post-operative maintenance and a streamlined recovery.

Benefits of a Drainless Tummy Tuck

Key benefits include:

  • No external drain tubes, eliminating one of the most uncomfortable aspects of traditional tummy tuck recovery
  • Reduced seroma risk, as progressive tension sutures minimize fluid accumulation without the need for drain care
  • Greater comfort and mobility, with patients reporting improved ease of movement during early recovery
  • Improved scar quality, as PTS distributes tension more evenly across the incision, which can result in a finer, lower-profile scar
  • Faster return to daily activities, with many patients finding they're up and moving sooner than with traditional abdominoplasty
  • More natural-looking contour, as suture placement can help define the natural anatomy of the abdomen
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Are You a Candidate for a Drainless Tummy Tuck in Richmond?

You may be a good fit for a drainless tummy tuck in Richmond if you:

  • Are at or near your goal weight and have maintained a stable weight
  • Have excess skin, fat, or laxity in the abdominal area, particularly after pregnancy or significant weight loss
  • Have weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
  • Are a non-smoker in good overall health
  • Have realistic expectations for your outcome
  • Want to avoid managing post-surgical drains during recovery
  • Are not planning future pregnancies

Patients with very extensive skin excess following major weight loss (100+ lbs) may still require a drain in some cases. 

Why Choose Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Burton and Dr. Reps Sundin are among Virginia's most accomplished plastic surgeons, recognized by Castle Connolly, Modern Luxury DC, and Northern Virginia Magazine as top physicians in their field. 

Their practice serves Richmond, Northern Virginia, Charlottesville, and patients who travel from across the U.S. and abroad for their care. With over 540 five-star reviews and a 4.7-star patient rating, the results and the experience speak for themselves.

What to Expect: Drainless Tummy Tuck

Consultation and Cost

  • Dr. Sundin will review your goals, medical history, and abdominal anatomy
  • A personalized surgical plan will be created based on your specific needs
  • Cost varies based on the extent of the procedure and any combination treatments
  • Financing options are available through the practice
  • Virtual consultations are offered for out-of-area patients

Procedure Steps

  • General anesthesia is administered in an accredited surgical facility
  • A low horizontal incision is made just above the pubic area, typically hidden within the bikini line
  • A second small incision is made around the belly button
  • Excess skin and fat are removed; abdominal muscles are tightened as needed
  • Progressive tension sutures are placed internally to close tissue space and eliminate the need for drains
  • Incisions are closed in layers; a compression garment is applied

Recovery and Results Timeline

  • Days 1 to 7: Rest at home with limited activity; some swelling, tightness, and soreness are normal; compression garment is worn
  • Week 2: Most patients begin light activity and short walks; many return to desk work
  • Weeks 3 to 6: Gradual increase in activity; strenuous exercise and heavy lifting remain restricted
  • 3 Months: Swelling continues to subside; results become more defined
  • 6 to 12 Months: Final results are visible; scars fade and soften over time
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Schedule Your Drainless Tummy Tuck Consultation in Richmond

Ready to achieve a flatter, firmer abdomen without the hassle of post-surgical drains? Drs. Burton and Reps Sundin at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery are here to help you explore your options.

Contact us today at (804) 390-5660 or request a consultation online to get started.

FAQs: Drainless Tummy Tuck

Can I have a drainless tummy tuck if I've had a previous tummy tuck?

Is the drainless technique safe for smokers?

Will I need someone to stay with me after surgery?

Can a drainless tummy tuck be combined with a C-section or other gynecological procedure?

How long do the progressive tension sutures stay in?

Will the drainless technique affect where my scar is placed?

What happens if fluid still accumulates even without drains?

Can I get pregnant after a drainless tummy tuck?

Can I have a drainless tummy tuck if I've had a previous tummy tuck?

Revision tummy tuck surgery is possible and Drs. Sundin evaluate prior surgical history carefully during consultation. The presence of existing scar tissue may influence whether the drainless technique is the most appropriate approach for your case.

Is the drainless technique safe for smokers?

Smoking significantly impairs circulation and wound healing, which increases complication risk with any abdominoplasty regardless of technique. Drs. Sundin require patients to stop smoking well in advance of surgery and will discuss specific requirements during your consultation.

Will I need someone to stay with me after surgery?

Yes, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours following your procedure. Drs. Sundin's team will provide detailed pre-operative instructions that include caregiver guidelines.

Can a drainless tummy tuck be combined with a C-section or other gynecological procedure?

In some cases, abdominoplasty can be coordinated with a planned gynecological procedure when both surgical teams agree it is safe to do so. This requires close coordination between Drs. Sundin and your OB-GYN or gynecological surgeon well in advance.

How long do the progressive tension sutures stay in?

Progressive tension sutures are fully dissolvable and do not require removal at a follow-up visit. They break down naturally over several weeks as the tissue heals and integrates.

Will the drainless technique affect where my scar is placed?

The incision for a drainless tummy tuck is placed in the same low, horizontal position as a traditional tummy tuck, typically just above the pubic area within the bikini line. The progressive tension sutures actually help relieve tension along the incision, which can improve the final appearance of the scar.

What happens if fluid still accumulates even without drains?

While the drainless technique significantly reduces the risk of seroma, it does not eliminate the possibility entirely. If fluid does accumulate, it can typically be addressed with a simple in-office aspiration procedure.

Can I get pregnant after a drainless tummy tuck?

While pregnancy after a tummy tuck is not medically prohibited, it can alter or reverse your results by stretching the abdominal skin and muscles that were tightened during surgery. Drs. Sundin generally recommend that patients complete their families before undergoing abdominoplasty for the most lasting outcome.

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