Tummy Tuck in Raleigh

Yes, however you must be willing to accept the tradeoff of prolonged swelling and possibly an inferior final result. Dr. Zenn does not offer drainless tummy tucks except in special circumstances (mini-tummy tucks). And for a very good reason: the use of drains ensures the best chance for a swift uneventful recovery with outstanding results. Post-operative complications, specifically prolonged swelling and fluid leakage, are significantly higher without the use of drains. Therefore, the final results of drainless tummy tucks are usually delayed for months compared to tummy tucks with drains. Do not believe marketing that claims some surgeons offer drainless tummy tucks because they are “modern” or know how to do some sort of “special suturing”; that’s not true. In fact, Dr. Zenn uses the “special weaving suturing technique” that is advertised with drainless tummy tucks and still uses drains. Dr. Zenn understands that looking good as soon as possible is important to his patients. Despite what you see on social media, the standard of care in tummy tuck surgery is still use of a drain.

A tummy tuck procedure creates a large surgical wound in the body. The human body heals surgical wounds by producing and releasing fluid that contains healing cells and proteins. This fluid fills the wound cavity that needs healing. There is no kind of special suturing that will prevent this natural response. The fluid that is normally removed via a drain in a tummy tuck measures hundreds of cc’s. That fluid has got to go somewhere. It is either removed with drains or will be absorbed by the abdominal skin. The resulting scar will also interfere with the lymphatics, which normally help to drain the lower abdominal area of fluid. The end result is prolonged swelling that can be significant. Given enough time, the body should reabsorb the fluid. Alternatively, a drain can be placed later if the fluid forms a collection (called a “seroma”). The hope is that the tummy skin is not stretched out by prolonged swelling or a seroma, which would then require a revisional surgery.

Yes. If you are actively trying to get pregnant or considering it in the following year or so, hold off on having a tummy tuck so your surgery ultimately will correct changes due to pregnancy as well.

Diastasis recti is a weakness in the belly wall between the rectus muscles that line the front of our abdomens. On the outside, patients see a bulge of the central tummy, especially with exertion. To determine if you have a Diastasis Recti, do this quick test at home. Lay down and feel between your belly button and your pubis. Raise both your legs 6”. If your belly stays flat, you do not have a diastasis. However, you feel a bulge pushing up your fingers, that is a diastasis! Not sure? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Zenn, and he will let you know.