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DRAINLESS TUMMY TUCK IN BRENTWOOD, LOS ANGELES, CA

At Marina Plastic Surgery, we utilize progressive tension sutures inside the tissues to close off the space and also relieve tension on the final surgical closure. This translates into less pain, less discomfort, no drains to deal with, and better scarring from less tension. Also, there is no opening from the outside world into the tissues, potentially minimizing infection risk. Schedule your Drainless Tummy Tuck Los Angeles consultation today to meet with a surgeon and discuss the drainless tummy tuck procedure.

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NO-DRAIN TUMMY TUCKS – LESS PAIN, LESS ANXIETY, BETTER RESULTS!

What is a Drainless Tummy Tuck?


Surgical drains are a feared part of abdominoplasty surgery for many patients. They are awkward, irritating, and uncomfortable. The tubes and collection devices make walking, dressing, and showering more difficult. This can translate into a longer recovery period. Los Angeles drainless tummy tuck patients worry about the pain that can be associated with pulling the drainage tubes out. Drains are commonly used in surgery to prevent fluid from accumulating between tissue planes.

In tummy tuck surgery, there is a space between the abdominal wall and the overlying fat and skin (the abdominal “flap”). If nothing is done to close this space, the body will do what it normally does during the healing process – produce fluid. Since there is nothing to restrict the fluid from accumulating, a seroma can form in this space. Basically, the tissue produces fluid faster than it can reabsorb. Plastic surgeons place negative suction drains in spaces like this to both remove the fluid and create suction between the tissue planes. However – there is a way to eliminate this space without using uncomfortable drainage tubes.

Am I a Candidate for a Drainless Tummy Tuck?

A drainless tummy tuck may be an option when you have loose abdominal skin, with or without separation of the abdominal muscles, and your health allows elective surgery. Your weight should be stable enough to plan the skin removal and maintain the result. If pregnancy or significant further weight loss is planned, it may be better to wait.

At your consultation, your surgeon will examine your abdomen, review previous operations, and discuss medications, nicotine use, nutrition, and conditions that affect healing or blood-clot risk. Bring a complete medication and supplement list. Do not stop prescribed treatment on your own.

The decision to use drains is part of surgical planning. A drain-free approach may fit your anatomy and operation, but your surgeon may recommend a drain when it is the safer choice.

What Are the Benefits of a Drainless Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck can remove excess skin, improve abdominal contour, and repair stretched abdominal-wall support when indicated. The drainless technique adds internal sutures to help hold the healing tissue layers together.

For you, the practical difference is recovery without external drain tubing or collection bulbs. There is no drain output to measure and no scheduled removal of those tubes. Internal sutures also distribute tension across the repair rather than relying on the skin closure alone.

Drainless surgery still involves an incision, swelling, soreness, and activity restrictions. It does not guarantee a shorter recovery, a finer scar, or freedom from complications.

What distinguishes a drainless tummy tuck from a standard tummy tuck?


Traditional tummy tucks may result in edema, bruising, and pain following surgery because they use drains to eliminate extra bodily fluids.

Additionally, a standard abdominoplasty normally necessitates two weeks of rest from vigorous activity, two drains to remove extra fluid from each side, a flat-board appearance right after surgery, and another six to eight weeks for full recovery.

With a drainless tummy tuck, patients can leave the hospital sooner and recover more quickly than with a standard tummy tuck. Additionally, since our internal closures will eventually dissolve into your body, patients don't need to worry about scarring or sutures coming undone in the future.

“The seroma rate I have experienced using this method is almost zero. I don’t worry about seromas anymore, and my patients don’t worry about drains. I am very happy with this technique and my patients are so grateful that they do not have to experience drainage tubes after tummy tuck surgery.”-Dr. Grant Stevens

Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Grant Stevens
Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Justin Perez

Schedule your Los Angeles Drainless Tummy Tuck consultation at Marina Plastic Surgery today


Marina Plastic Surgery has successfully used progressive tension sutures during abdominoplasty instead of surgical drains for more than six years. Our patients experience a lower seroma rate than traditional tummy tucks and drains. Experience the difference and schedule your Los Angeles No-Drain Tummy Tuck consultation today.

Your Drainless Tummy Tuck Procedure


Your surgeon removes the planned excess skin and fat and repairs abdominal-wall separation when needed. Before closing the incision, internal sutures secure the underside of the lifted abdominal tissue to the firm covering over the abdominal muscles.

How Do Progressive Tension Sutures Work?

Progressive tension sutures are placed at a series of points across the tissue layers. They reduce the open space where fluid could collect and limit sliding between those layers as you move. They also spread the pull of the repair across several points.

This closure technique is separate from muscle repair. It helps manage the space beneath the skin; it does not determine how much abdominal skin needs removal.

Where does the fluid go if I don't have any drains?

Your body gradually reabsorbs normal healing fluid. By reducing the space beneath the lifted tissue, the sutures help limit the amount that can collect in one pocket.

A fluid collection, called a seroma, can still occur. Follow-up appointments allow your surgeon to check for it, and treatment may include removing fluid with a needle or placing a drain. Report new swelling, increasing pain, redness, or drainage to your surgical team.

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Drainless Tummy Tuck Recovery

The recovery from a drainless tummy tuck is easier than that of a conventional tummy tuck since there are no drains to remove later, which reduces the risk of infection. Additionally, since there are no drains, it is less burdensome to walk around following surgery, allowing your body to recuperate more quickly.

Drainless Tummy Tuck Results

Your compression garment should be worn for up to six weeks to reduce swelling and accelerate the healing process. Your results will gradually improve over the next six to eight weeks and improve even greater with time. To continue to enjoy your results throughout your lifetime, it is vital to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Patients for Life®

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“I’m just your basic Midwestern housewife… Well, maybe not so basic anymore.”

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“I can’t tell you how beautiful my results are. I told Dr. Stevens, ‘You’re a miracle maker!”

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“I couldn't be happier, and I attract happy people to me”

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“Life's too short to wish a part of you looked different”

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“Now I can finally wear dresses without a bra, and I’m proud of how I look in a bikini.”

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“People say my new nose looks more natural on me than the nose I had before.”

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How Much Does a Drainless Tummy Tuck Cost in Los Angeles?


Your price depends on the extent of abdominal correction, the surgeon, operating time, and whether liposuction or another procedure is included. The use of internal sutures is one part of the plan; “drainless” does not describe a single operation with a universal price.

Marina reviews surgical fees after your consultation. Ask for a clear breakdown of surgeon, anesthesia, facility, garment, and follow-up charges, including anything billed separately. You can also discuss financing options, subject to qualification and lender approval.

Drainless Tummy Tuck FAQs

A drainless tummy tuck carries risks, much like any surgical operation; these include bleeding, infection, and potential anesthesia-related problems.

Your consultation determines the surgical plan and the corresponding fees. The cost section above explains the main factors, and Marina’s team can review your estimate and payment options with you.

Because tummy tucks are aesthetic procedures, most insurance companies won't cover them. But in order for you to start obtaining your new look right away, Marina Plastic Surgery provides payment and financing options.


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Discover why people from all 50 states and 63 countries around the world have made the journey to become our Patients for Life®. Schedule your consultation today to experience the industry-defining innovation and dedicated attention to detail of Marina Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles.

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