Drainless Tummy Tuck Cost, Benefits and Procedure Guide

Looking to tighten and smooth your midsection? You may want to consider a drainless tummy tuck.

In recent years, no-drain or drainless tummy tucks have become a more common type of abdominoplasty due to the increase in benefits, comfort and recovery for patients.¹ Read on to see if a drainless tummy tuck might be right for you.

What Is a Drainless Tummy Tuck?

A drainless tummy tuck is a type of abdominoplasty that, after the removal of excess fat and skin, utilizes a specific method of internal progressive-tension sutures to gently and safely compress the abdominal area. This eliminates the space where postoperative fluid can accumulate and removes the need for external drains.²

Drainless vs. Traditional Tummy Tuck

The difference between a drainless tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck lies mainly in how postoperative fluid accumulation is managed. One of the most common complications from a tummy tuck is a seroma, an accumulation of fluid in an area where tissue has been removed. During a traditional abdominoplasty, small surgical tubes are placed under the skin to help drain any fluid that may accumulate after the operation.³

However, postoperative drains require incisions into the skin, which can become irritated or infected. The drains themselves can also be inconvenient to deal with and difficult to hide under clothing. Drain bags have to be emptied, and the overall healing process from the procedure is delayed until the drains are removed and the incision sites can heal.⁴

With a drainless tummy tuck, the specialized suture method works to eliminate areas for fluid to build up after the procedure.²

Benefits of a Drainless Tummy Tuck

Drainless tummy tucks have become the preference for many doctors and patients due to a number of benefits, including:³

• Easier recovery

• More convenient for the patient⁴

• Lower chance of postoperative side effects

• Reduced chance of infection

• Smoother healing of scars⁴

How Much Does a Drainless Tummy Tuck Cost?

A drainless tummy tuck procedure can take longer than a traditional tummy tuck and therefore may cost more. The cost* of a drainless tummy tuck can range from $5,000 to $14,300. The average cost of a drainless tummy tuck is $7,430.⁵

The overall cost of a drainless tummy tuck will also vary depending on the surgeon fee, the use of liposuction, type of surgical facility and geographic location. Below are average costs of a drainless tummy tuck in each U.S. state.⁵

Drainless tummy tuck cost by state

Is a Drainless Tummy Tuck Covered by Insurance?

Tummy tucks are generally considered a cosmetic procedure, and are therefore not covered by most insurance providers.⁶

However, there are some situations where a drainless tummy tuck procedure may be considered medically necessary:

• Herniated intestinal loop⁶

• Chronic and severe back pain⁶

• Excess abdominal skin that interferes with daily life⁷

Check with your doctor and your insurance provider to see if you have a medical condition that may cover a drainless tummy tuck. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Drainless Tummy Tuck?

A drainless tummy tuck may be a good option for those looking to tighten and contour the size, shape and definition of their midsection. A tummy tuck can benefit both women and men. Good candidates for the procedure include those who are looking to address:²

• Diastasis recti (separated stomach muscles)

• Extra fat around the abdomen

• Loose skin or stretch marks

While the drainless tummy tuck is growing in popularity as the primary method of abdominoplasty, there may be some circumstances or conditions in which a traditional abdominoplasty may be preferable. Individuals with very little abdominal fat or those prone to seromas may be more likely to show any postoperative fluid accumulation and may do better with a traditional tummy tuck.¹

Note also that not all plastic surgeons may be trained in the drainless tummy tuck procedure and therefore may not offer it at their practices. Consider seeking out a surgeon who offers both traditional and drainless tummy tucks to advise you on the best method for your desired results.³

Tummy tucks are also not recommended for individuals who are planning future pregnancies or those planning to lose substantial weight. The procedure is best performed after these events have occurred.⁸

What to Expect When Getting a Drainless Tummy Tuck

If you’re considering a drainless tummy tuck, here’s what you can expect before, during and after the procedure.

Preparation

To prepare for a drainless tummy tuck, you will meet with a plastic surgeon for an initial consultation to review your goals and desired outcomes. You may need to get lab work done, or be given preoperative steps such as stopping certain medications, not smoking or avoiding aspirin or herbal supplements.⁹

Procedure

A drainless tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia. Once the patient is sedated, the surgeon will make an incision across the lower abdomen as well as around the belly button to release it from the surrounding skin.²

The abdominal muscles will be sutured together and tightened, if needed. Then, skin will be pulled taut and any excess skin and fat trimmed away. Internal progressive-tension sutures will be used to eliminate space between the muscles and the skin. Some tummy tucks may combine liposuction of the flank as well for added contouring. An incision will be made to reposition the belly button, and then both the incisions will be closed.²

Although a drainless tummy tuck is normally an outpatient procedure, some surgical centers may offer or require an overnight stay after the operation. If you don’t spend the night, you should arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure and stay with you the first night.⁹

Recovery

After a drainless tummy tuck, it is normal to experience swelling, numbness, bruising and discomfort.⁴ You may not be able to stand up straight for the first few days while you adjust to the tight abdominal skin. With a drainless tummy tuck, you will not have the inconvenience of dealing with postoperative drains.²

Initial recovery from a drainless tummy tuck can take two to three weeks. During this time, you should not plan on working, performing strenuous tasks or lifting children. Returning to exercise and normal activities may take four to six weeks. Residual swelling may last for up to six months.²

Results

After a drainless tummy tuck, your stomach should be tighter, flatter and firmer.⁴ You will have a scar from hip to hip which should fade over time. The results from a drainless tummy tuck can be permanent for most individuals as long as a stable weight is maintained.²

Potential Complications and Side Effects

Like any surgical procedure, a drainless tummy tuck carries a chance of complications and side effects. These include:¹⁰

• Reaction to anesthesia

• Deep vein thrombosis

• Seromas

• Infection

• Asymmetry

• Poor scar healing

• Persistent pain or numbness

Following all preoperative and postoperative directions from your surgeon may help reduce the chance of complications.

Financing a Drainless Tummy Tuck With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for a drainless tummy tuck and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.