Drainless Tummy Tuck Surgery in Dallas and Allen, TX

How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?

Our approach to tummy tuck surgery allows for a safer, more comfortable recovery. During your initial consultation, Dr. Pollock will discuss your medical history and cosmetic goals to create a customized treatment plan. He will also explain the surgical techniques involved, expected convalescence, and expected results from the procedure. The techniques used will affect the cost of your procedure.

Progressive Tension Suture Technique

Dr. Pollock is the innovator of a unique procedural method that is now used worldwide in tummy tuck surgery, facelift surgery, brow lift surgery, and other procedures. The progressive tension suture (PTS) approach anchors the redraped skin to the underlying tissues at the end of the procedure.

PTS minimizes swelling, reduces the collection of blood and fluid, and speeds up the recuperation period. Complications, such as excess scarring, healing delay, and fluid accumulation, are usually prevented by the PTS technique.

We developed and reported our PTS technique to the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in June of 2000. With over 30 years of experience utilizing this technique in Dallas and Allen, Texas, we have produced a high percentage of excellent results.

The progressive tension suture technique helps to:

• Evenly distribute the pull of the entire skin surface, which avoids tension at the skin closure and results in less scarring
• Drape the skin evenly, without visible tension lines
• Enhance the natural appearance of the contours
• Eliminate the space under the skin flap to securely anchor the skin to the underlying tissues
• Removes the most common complication of the tummy tuck: seroma formation (fluid collection)
• Eliminates the need for drains, which minimizes post-operative care
• Early resumption of upright posture and physical activity, which is an improvement over traditional methods that require a severe limitation of movement and ambulation in a bent position for several weeks
• Enhanced appearance of the belly button by directly suturing the belly button from beneath the surface of the flap

Tumescent Liposuction or Superwet Fluid Infiltration

Tumescent liposuction or superwet fluid infiltration refers to the injection of the area to be suctioned with saline (saltwater solution), local anesthetic, and epinephrine. This solution plumps up the tissues, making fat removal easier, constricts blood vessels, which reduces bleeding, and blocks nerves, providing painless surgery.

Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) is a relatively new adjunct to traditional liposuction. It is a device that reciprocates or moves the cannula in and out at a very high rate of speed. This vibrating effect cuts through the fatty tissues, facilitating fat removal.

The device is particularly helpful for fibrous areas that can be done through small incisions and adds no increase in risk or expense. PAL is surpassing ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL) in use among plastic surgeons, with safety concerns and expense being the major considerations. We use PAL exclusively in our practice.