DR MALCOLM LINSELL

Why a DDA?

If you’re considering an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) but are concerned about the recovery process, a Drainless Day Abdominoplasty (DDA) may be an option worth exploring. This advanced approach is designed to enhance comfort, improve recovery, and provide natural-looking results—all without the need for post-operative drains.

What Is a Drainless Day Abdominoplasty?

A Drainless Day Abdominoplasty (DDA) is a modern technique that eliminates the use of surgical drains by utilising progressive tension sutures. This method helps reduce fluid build-up, minimising discomfort and the risks associated with traditional drain-based procedures.

Unlike conventional abdominoplasty, which typically requires an overnight hospital stay and extended recovery periods, DDA is performed as a day procedure, meaning most patients can return home the same day under appropriate medical supervision.

A Faster,
Less Painful Recovery

Traditional Abdominoplasty: How It Was Done

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck remains one of the most popular procedures performed worldwide. When I was being trained as a plastic surgeon in the 1980s, I was taught to perform wide undermining of the abdominal skin, never use liposuction at the same time, give everybody drains, and keep patients in hospital for three to five days. The post-operative experience was unpleasant because it was painful to move, and women hate drains. Furthermore, although excess skin could be removed, any improvement in shape was limited because liposuction was thought to increase complications.
The Evolution of Tummy Tuck Techniques

In the mid-1990s, an American plastic surgeon showed that by slightly changing the usual technique, liposuction could safely be combined with a tummy tuck to provide a nicer-shaped, flatter, and tighter tummy. I used this technique for 15 years and, whilst the results were improved, it was still painful, I was still using drains (and women still hated them), and patients were still staying in hospital for up to three days.

I wondered if there was a way to still provide a nicer-shaped, flatter, and tighter tummy but with less pain, no drains, and no overnight hospital stay, so there was less downtime.
Introducing Drainless, Day-Procedure Abdominoplasty (DDA)

Since 2017, I have been performing a Drainless, Day-Procedure Abdominoplasty (DDA). With the use of quilting sutures beneath the abdominal skin, a special long-acting local anaesthetic block numbing the nerves that normally cause the pain, along with finely calibrated post-operative medication, no drains are necessary, and my patients get to sleep in their own bed on the night of the procedure.
How DDA Works: A Less Painful Approach

By eliminating the need for drains and reducing post-operative pain with advanced techniques, the DDA provides a faster, more comfortable recovery compared to traditional abdominoplasty. The combination of quilting sutures and long-acting local anaesthetic significantly decreases discomfort and eliminates the need for overnight hospital stays.
Combining DDA with Breast Surgery and Liposuction

Using this same technique, it is common for me to include breast surgery with the DDA and liposuction, performed as a day procedure. This allows for a more comprehensive body contouring result while still maintaining the benefits of a shorter recovery time and reduced discomfort.
Understanding the Risks of Abdominoplasty
Recognition and Awards for DDA Innovation

It was my pleasure to present the technique of Drainless, Day-Procedure Abdominoplasty to my colleagues in the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) conference in October 2022. In September 2023, I presented the technique to my colleagues in the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS) in Athens, winning a silver medal for the presentation. In June 2024, I have again been invited to present the technique at the ISAPS meeting in Cartagena, Colombia. All of our DDA related media highlights can be viewed on our media page.
Before & After: Real Patient Results
What Are the Potential Benefits?
While individual experiences vary, some reported benefits of the DDA approach include:

No Post-Operative Drains – Reducing discomfort and the inconvenience of managing surgical drains.

Faster Recovery – Many patients experience a smoother recovery with less downtime.

Lower Risk of Infection – Without drains, the risk of infection associated with fluid build-up may be reduced.

Improved Comfort – Progressive tension sutures provide support and contouring without the need for external drains.

Natural-Looking Results – A carefully tailored approach to abdominal tightening.
Is a Drainless Day Abdominoplasty Right for You?
The suitability of a DDA procedure depends on several factors, including your medical history, skin elasticity, and overall health. A consultation with Dr. Malcolm Linsell is essential to determine whether this approach aligns with your individual needs and goals.

During your consultation, Dr. Linsell will:

Discuss your medical history and aesthetic goals.

Explain the procedure, recovery process, and potential risks.

Develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to you.

Watch the Procedure & Learn About Risks & Safety

Understanding the Drainless Day Abdominoplasty (DDA) is essential before making an informed decision. In this full-length video, Dr. Malcolm Linsell demonstrates the procedure from start to finish, providing valuable insights into the surgical technique, recovery process, and key safety considerations.

All surgical procedures carry risks, and it’s important to discuss any concerns with your surgeon. Dr. Linsell operates in accredited medical facilities, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and safety.

Watch on YouTube

What to Expect from Your Consultation

A discussion about your medical history and aesthetic goals.

An explanation of the procedure, recovery, and potential risks.

A personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.

MEET THE TEAM

Meet the team behind our Drainless Day Abdominoplasty Procedure

The Team

Meet the team behind our Drainless Day Abdominoplasty procedure, including our expert anaesthetists.

Meet the team

CONTACT US

Ready to take the
next step?

If you’re considering abdominoplasty and want expert guidance from Dr. Malcolm Linsell, we’re here to help. Whether you have questions about the procedure, recovery, or your suitability for surgery, we invite you to reach out.

Contact our team

DR MALCOLM LINSELL

Why a DDA?

What Is a Drainless Day Abdominoplasty?

A Faster,
Less Painful Recovery

Watch the Procedure & Learn About Risks & Safety

What to Expect from Your Consultation

Meet the team behind our Drainless Day Abdominoplasty Procedure

The Team

CONTACT US

Ready to take the
next step?

DR MALCOLM LINSELL

DR MALCOLM LINSELL

Drainless Day Abdominoplasty

Drainless Day Abdominoplasty

Follow us

Follow us

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Legal

Contact us

DR MALCOLM LINSELL

Why a DDA?

What Is a Drainless Day Abdominoplasty?

A Faster,Less Painful Recovery

Watch the Procedure & Learn About Risks & Safety

What to Expect from Your Consultation

Meet the team behind our Drainless Day Abdominoplasty Procedure

The Team

CONTACT US

Ready to take thenext step?

DR MALCOLM LINSELL

DR MALCOLM LINSELL

Drainless Day Abdominoplasty

Drainless Day Abdominoplasty

Follow us

Follow us

Pages

Legal

Contact us

A Faster,
Less Painful Recovery

Ready to take the
next step?