530 Stephenson Ave, Suite 300
Savannah, GA 31405
Phone: (912) 503-2738
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

740 E. General Stewart Way, Suite 210B
Hinesville, GA 31313
Phone: (912) 503-2738
Monday (alternating with Brunswick): 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

3226-F Hampton Avenue
Brunswick, GA 31520
Phone: (912) 503-2738
Monday (alternating with Hinesville): 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

350 Fording Island Road, Suite 202
Bluffton, SC 29910
Phone: (912) 503-2738
Tuesday, Thursday: 1 p.m.–5 p.m.

What Makes a Tummy Tuck “Drainless”?

In a traditional tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), drains are used to prevent fluid buildup between tissue layers as the body heals. These drains have to be emptied several times a day and monitored over the course of up to a week.

Dr. Curtsinger performs a drainless technique using progressive tension sutures—a method that gently secures tissue layers together as he closes the incision. This technique eliminates the need for post-op drains while helping the body heal more efficiently from within.

Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos

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This before & after gallery contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.

Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 112 View 1 View in Savannah, GA
BeforeAfter
43 y.o. female who had a drainless circumferential body lift with liposuction of the outer
thighs.
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Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 148 View 1 View in Savannah, GA
BeforeAfter
34 y.o. female who had a tummy tuck, liposuction of the flanks and a breast lift.
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Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 145 View 1 View in Savannah, GA
BeforeAfter
45 y.o. female who had an abdominoplasty and mastopexy (auto-augmentation)
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Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 105 View 1 View in Savannah, GA
BeforeAfter
47 y.o. female who received a tummy tuck with liposuction to the flanks and upper back.
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Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 128 View 1 View in Savannah, GA
BeforeAfter
37 y.o. female who received a tummy tuck by Dr. Curtsinger.
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Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 113 View 1 View in Savannah, GA
BeforeAfter
52 y.o. female who received a drainless circumferential body lift and breast augmentation
with 275 cc M+ silicone gel implants.
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Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 108 View 1 View in Savannah, GA
BeforeAfter
32 y.o. who received a drainless circumferential body lift.
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Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 64 View 1 View in Savannah, GA
BeforeAfter
42 y.o. female who received a mastopexy with a change in her implants, a drainless tummy tuck
and liposuction of her upper back and flanks. She has 300 cc moderate plus profile in her
right breast and 275 cc moderate plus profile silicone gel implants in her left breast. Read More
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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Benefits of a Drainless Tummy Tuck

A drainless approach offers several significant benefits that can improve your surgical experience and outcome. Many patients find that it’s the detail that makes all the difference.

Here are just a few reasons why the drainless technique stands out:

  • Less discomfort: No external drains pulling on your skin means less irritation as you heal.
  • Lower risk of complications: Progressive tension sutures help prevent fluid buildup (seroma) without the need for daily drain care.
  • Faster return to daily life: Most patients find they’re more mobile and comfortable sooner.
  • Improved scar outcome: Progressive tension sutures distribute tension more evenly across the lower abdomen, reducing stress on the incision, which can improve scarring.

Every patient’s experience is unique, but this technique reflects Dr. Curtsinger’s belief in blending precision with comfort for a better recovery.

Woman in a black bikini smiling with arms raised while walking through shallow ocean water.

Are You a Good Candidate?

If you’ve lost weight, had children, or simply feel frustrated with loose skin or a weakened abdominal wall, a tummy tuck may be the right choice.

You may be a good candidate for a drainless tummy tuck if you:

  • Are a nonsmoker in good general health, at a stable weight and with an appropriate BMI
  • Have realistic expectations about the procedure and recovery
  • Want to address excess skin or abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti)
  • Prefer a lower-maintenance recovery without external drains

If you have only excess fat in your midsection but no skin laxity, you may be a better candidate for liposuction. Dr. Curtsinger will work with you one-on-one to create a surgical plan that aligns with your anatomy and goals.

What To Expect Before & During Surgery

Dr. Curtsinger performs tummy tuck procedures under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Most patients go home the same day.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Before surgery: You’ll meet with Dr. Curtsinger to discuss your goals, review your health history, and receive personalized pre-op instructions.
  • During surgery: Dr. Curtsinger makes a low incision, typically hidden along the bikini line, and another inside the belly button. He tightens the underlying muscles and removes excess skin and fat before closing the incision with progressive tension sutures—no drains required.
  • Immediately following surgery: You’ll spend some time in a recovery area as the anesthesia wears off. You may feel groggy, sore, or tight in your midsection, which is completely normal. We will place a compression garment on you to reduce swelling and support healing.
  • Going home: Patients can go home the same day or spend the first night with us and return home the next morning. Patients are discharged with detailed aftercare instructions. You’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Expect to rest, keep your torso slightly bent (even while lying down), and take prescribed medication to stay comfortable.

Dr. Curtsinger personally follows up with each patient after surgery, ensuring you feel supported from start to finish.

Woman in pink bikini

Drainless Tummy Tuck
Recovery & Results

Recovery is where your transformation truly takes shape. Every patient’s healing timeline is unique, but most follow a similar path after a drainless tummy tuck. With no drains to manage, your experience may be smoother and more comfortable than you expect.

Here’s what the general timeline looks like:

Weeks 1 to 2: Expect to rest and limit activity. You’ll wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support healing. You may feel tightness in your abdomen, but discomfort is typically well-managed with medication. Patients with sedentary or desk-based jobs generally return to work within 1 to 2 weeks.

Weeks 3 to 4: Most patients return to light activities and desk work. Swelling begins to improve, and your mobility continues to increase.

After 1 Month: You’ll gradually resume more active routines. Your abdomen will look flatter, and your surgical contour will become more defined.

Weeks 6: Most patients are cleared for full activity.

Long-Term: Results continue to refine over the next several months as swelling fully resolves and incisions fade. With a healthy lifestyle, your results can last for many years to come.

From scar care to activity guidelines, you’ll have the support you need every step of the way.

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Luke J. Curtsinger, III M.D.

Luke J. Curtsinger is a highly experienced surgeon in his field and has performed well over 20,000 surgeries, caring for both children and adults. He serves patients in Savannah, Bluffton, Brunswick, Hinesville, and the surrounding area.

Meet Dr. Curtsinger
Dr. Curtsinger
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Schedule Your Consultation

As one of the top plastic surgeons in Savannah, GA, Dr. Curtsinger sees patients from Bluffton, Brunswick, Hinesville, and surrounding communities. To meet with him in person, call the office at (912) 503-2738 or request a consultation online.

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Drainless Tummy Tuck: What Makes This Technique Different

A flatter, firmer midsection without the hassle of surgical drains? It's possible with the drainless tummy tuck. At Curtsinger M.D. Plastic Surgery, this advanced approach to abdominoplasty helps patients recover more comfortably and confidently, with less post-op maintenance and fewer disruptions to daily life. In this post, we'll explore how the procedure works, its standout benefits, and why so many people choose it to achieve their body contouring goals.…

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