Painless/Drainless Abdominoplasty in Cleveland, OH
Dr. Lu-Jean Feng’s Unique
Method of Performing the Abdominoplasty:
Characteristics of the Procedure:
- Intercostal and TAPP Nerve Blocks to Prevent Pain
- Elimination of Drains
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments Post-Operatively
- Red Light and Near Infrared Laser Treatments Post-Operatively
Benefits to Patient:
- Outpatient Procedure – No Overnight Stay
- Faster and More Comfortable Recovery
- No Need For Narcotics in the Recovery Room
- Back to Work in One Week
- Able to Exercise in 2-3 Weeks
- Much Higher Patient Satisfaction
The Procedure
(Tummy Tuck)
The Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size and weight of an overly large abdomen while creating a more youthful, balanced and proportional abdomen and waist line.
Over time, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, aging or previous surgeries can stretch the skin and separate the abdominal muscles, a condition known as diastasis recti. The separation can cause abdominal protrusion, weakened core strength, back discomfort and difficulty achieving a flat abdomen despite diet and exercise.
Dr. Feng's Philosophy
An Abdominoplasty or Mommy Makeover (includes the breasts) performed by Dr. Feng is truly a work of art. She performs a comprehensive abdominal rejuvenation designed to restore both the appearance and function of the abdominal wall. During her procedure, excess skin and fat are carefully removed, while all of the underlying structures are repaired and restored to their natural position. This creates a stronger abdominal wall, a narrower waistline, and a flatter, more youthful abdominal contour.
One of the unique aspects of Dr. Feng’s technique is her focus on minimizing postoperative pain, avoiding the use of narcotics for pain relief and avoiding the use of surgical drains. By utilizing advanced tissue-handling methods and the use of progressive tension sutures, patients experience greater comfort, easier mobility, and a smoother recovery compared to traditional tummy tuck procedures. This technique also eliminates the use of drains, the occurrence of seromas, as well as reducing recovery time. The result is not merely a flatter stomach, but a much stronger core, improved body proportions, reduced back pain, and a natural-looking contour that complements the patient’s overall physique.
Dr. Feng published her work describing her innovative Abdominoplasty techniques and abdominal wall repair concepts around 2010. Her research focused on improving abdominal wall reconstruction, reducing complications associated with traditional tummy tucks, and greatly enhancing patient recovery. Her technique for cutting and suturing skin is very meticulous and precise and her carefully placed incisions fade away to barely being visible within a short period of time after the surgery. Dr. Feng’s paper titled; Painless/Drainless Abdominoplasty was intended to help other plastic surgeons learn her innovative methods.
Dr. Feng's Post-Surgery Protocol
Healing time is very important to achieving a great result with very minimal signs of the incision line. The faster a patient heals, the better the quality of the scar and the sooner they can resume normal activity. Patients want to minimize their downtime following surgery as much as possible.
Dr. Feng’s paper indicates that the healing time for a tummy tuck is 2 weeks. Most women and men go back to work at 2 weeks, but some even sooner as long as their job does not require anything too strenuous. During the first 2 weeks, the greatest risk for bleeding can occur so caution must be taken not to overdo it.
Beginning in the recovery room immediately following surgery, each patient is given fresh organic berries and filtered water instead of crackers and Ginger Ale. At the time of discharge, they receive 1 quart of Dr. Feng’s Signature Salad (contains 13 superfoods) and 1 quart of fresh FengFit® Plant-Based soup to begin their healing journey. Dr. Feng is adamant that proper healing begins with good nutrition and therefore, she developed FengFit® Plant-Based Cuisine in 2011. Today, Dr. Feng’s food is sold in 11 Heinen’s Supermarkets in the Cleveland area.
The first 2 weeks of healing following a tummy tuck surgery are the most critical. Therefore, Dr. Feng’s standard post-op protocol involves 3 60-minute hyperbaric oxygen sessions and 3 red light treatments. If she is doing an Extended Abdominoplasty, which includes incisions extending to the back, patients receive 6 60-minute hyperbaric oxygen sessions and 6 red light sessions. These treatments help to speed up recovery time and they begin the day after surgery so the patient is seen on a daily basis. Most out-of-state patients plan on being in Cleveland for 8 – 10 days from the day of surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
The procedure can take between 3 to 5 hours depending on the size of the abdomen, the amount of excess skin and fat, the length required for the incision, the amount of separation in the diastasis recti, or the presence of an umbilical or ventral hernia.
As long as you maintain your weight, it is a permanent result.
Yes, depending on your insurance, some do reimburse for a portion of the cost if you have a ventral or umbilical hernia. We do not take insurance for payment, but we will provide you with a letter of medical necessity, as well as the proper diagnosis and procedure codes so that you can file a claim for reimbursement.
I have always said that you get what you pay for. The cost of my Tummy Tuck procedure is between $18,000 - $24,000, depending if it is extended or not. The price for this procedure also takes into account the years of experience and skill of the surgeon and also the market they reside in. Obviously, experienced plastic surgeons in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Dallas charge much more for the same procedure than in Cleveland, Ohio.
Not necessarily depending on where the extra skin is, how much weight was gained, and if there is a diastasis or hernia repair.
Yes, every patient is given 2 compression garments. A garment must be worn 24/7 for the first 30 days to minimize the swelling. Every morning you can remove the garment to shower and put a clean garment on. After 4 weeks you only need to wear the garment during your waking hours for 2 additional weeks.
Yes and we do see many men for this procedure. However, many must lose a certain amount of weight first so the diastasis can be pulled back together and repaired properly. Dr. Feng will establish a goal for them to achieve before having the surgery.
Due to the type of anesthetics we use, it is no problem for several reasons. First and foremost, all of our anesthesiologists are highly experienced board certified doctors, not nurse anesthetists. Next, we don’t use anesthetic gas to keep patients asleep. Instead, we have you breathing a combination of oxygen and air. This is much healthier for you than breathing gas. Then through an IV in your arm, you are receiving very fast-acting anesthetics that completely leave your system within 6 minutes after the surgery ends. This allows you to wake up quickly with no nausea and no hangover effect. You are alert and in control of yourself going into the Recovery Room.
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Testimonials
My experience in your clinic was amazing - from your exceptional staff to the tranquil surroundings to the wonderful experience I had from anesthesia, but most of all, YOU are the most kind, compassionate, patient, skillful doctor I have ever met. I absolutely love my new body and can’t wait to show it off on the beach!
Tummy Tuck Patient
"Dr Feng, you are an artist and a masterful perfectionist and the best Plastic Surgeon in the world.
"
Caroline L.
"Dr. Feng, my deepest appreciation for your amazing skills in restoring my face to a more youthful
version of what I used to look like - you gave me back a piece of myself."
Sara J.
"You are truly a beautiful artist and I love the work you did with my breast lift - absolutely
beautiful."
Sherry R.
"Dr. Feng is World Class amazing and my experience at the clinic was exceptional in every way"
Sue R.
"I traveled from the other side of the world to see Dr. Feng based purely on her reputation and
my experience and results were life-changing - no comparison!
"
Fahda T.
"Thank you for all you do Dr. Feng - you, your staff and your clinic are amazing
"
Angelina B.
"After 3 children I never thought I could have my beautiful figure back, especially without
unsightly scars, but I was wrong - Dr. Feng performs miracles!"
Jackie L.