46-year-old patient, 5’4”, 130 lbs., 3 children. Four months post drainless tummy tuck with power-assisted SAFE liposuction of the abdomen, waist, flanks and bra rolls.

She received Exparel local anesthetic which is placed under the abdominal fascia and all the liposuctioned areas, greatly decreasing post-operative pain both immediately and for the next 72 hours. Many patients wake up feeling “tight” but need no pain meds in the recovery room when Exparel is used.

The drainless technique closes the open space created by elevation of the abdominal skin with absorbable progressive tension sutures, from top to bottom. As a result there is no place for fluid to accumulate. No drains are necessary and are not used.