Men and women considering a drain-free tummy tuck often have lots of questions about the procedure that aren’t typically answered in online FAQs. Here, tummy tuck specialist Dr. Francesco Campanile answers some of the most commonly asked questions about his exclusive C.L.A.S.S.™ drain-free tummy tuck, which combines liposuction with a tummy tuck for optimal body contouring.
If you have a question about the C.L.A.S.S.™ tummy tuck that’s not addressed here, please feel free to contact us online today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon who focuses on developing a customized approach toward cosmetic surgery that can better help you meet your unique goals.
Q: I’ve been considering the drain-free tummy tuck for a while. How do I know if I’m making the right decision?
A: Opting for any type of cosmetic surgery is a choice each patient should consider thoroughly. A tummy tuck, in particular, can feel like a big decision because some men and women are not sure if a tummy tuck will give them the results they hope to see. I developed the C.L.A.S.S.™ drain-free tummy tuck to allow for more precise body contouring than a traditional tummy tuck. If you’ve done your research and still feel unsure, my recommendation is that you come in for a consultation. We can discuss your goals and whether a C.L.A.S.S.™ tummy tuck can help you meet them. There’s never any obligation to schedule the procedure until you’re absolutely positive it’s what you want.
Q: What’s the difference between the C.L.A.S.S.™ tummy tuck and the traditional tummy tuck?
A: C.L.A.S.S.™ stands for Combined Lipo-Abdominoplasty Sculpting and Shaping. A traditional tummy tuck can repair separated abdominal muscles, reshape the abdomen and tighten the skin. However, abdominoplasty on its own does not contour lingering fat in and around the abdominal area, so the results of the tummy tuck can be more limited than some patients might prefer. The C.L.A.S.S.™ tummy tuck, on the other hand, adds liposuction to all the benefits of a traditional tummy tuck. Stubborn pockets of fat in and around the abdomen and flanks can be sculpted with liposuction before the tummy tuck, allowing for a more comprehensive body contouring option. As a bonus, the C.L.A.S.S.™ tummy tuck doesn’t require you to wear post-surgical drains during recovery.
Q: I thought post-surgical drains were necessary for a safe recovery after a tummy tuck. Is a drain-free tummy tuck really safe?
A: You’re correct in that post-surgical drains are necessary in a traditional tummy tuck in order to prevent excessive fluid buildup that can cause seroma, a potentially serious complication. This is because fluid will collect in the space between the fat and the muscle, so the drains that collect this fluid will need to be changed several times a day. However, during my C.L.A.S.S.™ tummy tuck, I use a special quilted stitching technique that creates smaller compartments within the abdominal cavity, eliminating space for fluid to accumulate and pulling the skin closer to the fat. The result is a dramatically lower risk of seroma and no need for drains, along with reduced tension on the incision that can mean a better scar appearance.
Q: I’ve just had a baby and want to drop the post-pregnancy weight. Can the C.L.A.S.S.™ tummy tuck take care of my baby weight for me?
A: I usually recommend that women wait a minimum of 6 months after having a baby to get a tummy tuck. This is because pregnancy hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, affect the elasticity of your skin. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to wait until you have weaned your baby, because hormone levels are still heightened while nursing. It’s also important to keep in mind that no body contouring technique is a weight-loss alternative. Visceral fat, which is responsible for the majority of weight gain, cannot be removed with liposuction. Instead, lipo addresses subcutaneous fat, which typically doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. Women seeking to regain their pre-pregnancy figure should first reach their target weight before pursuing the C.L.A.S.S.™ tummy tuck to finish up the finer sculpting.
Q: If I get a C.L.A.S.S.™ tummy tuck now, can I still become pregnant in the future if I change my mind?
A: A tummy tuck of any kind should not affect your ability to become pregnant and safely carry a child to term. The reason that most surgeons recommend that you wait to get a tummy tuck until you’re finished having children is because the expanding of the abdomen and loosening of the skin that happens during pregnancy could reverse some of the tightening work that a tummy tuck accomplishes. My advice is generally to wait, but if you’re not sure, it’s really up to you as to whether you’d like to get a tummy tuck now with the chance that you may need a revision tummy tuck in the future if you end up undergoing another pregnancy.
*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.
