We at BHP are happy to announce that we are now offering eligible patients a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure without the need for drains during the post-operative recovery period, thanks to an outstanding new medical product. TissuGlu Surgical Adhesive binds tissues more closely together than a standard suture. The result is that, in a majority of cases, fluids do not collect excessively near the incision site and may exit the body without drains via the body’s natural processes.

Tummy tucks, which remove the excess skin and fatty tissue that may appear around the midsection due to a weight loss or following a pregnancy, are one of our most popular plastic surgeries. Indeed, BHP patients regularly tell us that they are delighted with their tummy tuck results, but they also say that they are much less happy about the need to use small, plastic drains during a period following the surgery that may last as long as three weeks. Patients sometimes complain about the need to regularly measure and empty the drains, that they are hard to conceal underneath clothing, that they are somewhat uncomfortable, and that they can even make sleeping difficult.

Fortunately, patients who qualify for TissuGlu not only benefit in terms of avoiding inconvenience and discomfort, studies have also shown that drainless tummy tuck patients are able to resume their regular daily activities more quickly, including showering, driving, and working. While a minority of patients may need some assistance with fluid management following a procedure, roughly 75 percent of patients who receive the TissuGlu surgical adhesive need no additional help regarding fluids.

The good news is that the majority of patients who qualify for a tummy tuck are also candidates for TissuGlu. However, exceptions may include people with allergies to urethane-based products and those containing isocyanate, patients with body mass indexes over 28 or who are getting a tummy tuck following an extremely large weight loss, and patients who have used TissuGlu previously. (The product has not yet been tested for repeated usage.) If you are interested in a drainless tummy tuck with TissuGlu, the best way to find out whether or it’s appropriate in your case is to schedule a consultation with a BHP plastic surgeon. Contact us by phone or e-mail for a consultation.