Drain free tummy tuck

Tummy tucks with and without drains

Most plastic surgeons use drains after a tummy tuck to help prevent the formation of seromas (fluid collections) under the abdominal skin.

Drains can be avoided with the use of certain sutures that are placed internally to help close the space between the abdominal muscle and the abdominal tissue (fat).

If you are completely opposed to the use of drains, the tummy tuck procedure can be performed without them – your surgeon will ultimately decide what is best for you.

This is an area of controversy in plastic surgery and there is no right or wrong answer with regard to the use of surgical drains.

A drain free tummy tuck

Discuss this in detail with your plastic surgeon at the time of your consultation. (William Bruno, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

Drains after abdominoplasty

Drains are placed after surgery by some surgeons for a variety of reasons. For abdominoplasties I typically have not used drains for over ten years. One reason to use a drain is if the patient has not followed preoperative instructions and has taken aspirin or aspirin products.

When a patient takes aspirin prior to surgery there is often more bleeding during surgery which may require a drain. So in summary if you follow directions prior to surgery for an abdominoplasty I have not found it necessary to use drains in the vast majority of cases. (Jay M. Pensler, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

Drain free tummy tuck photo

A no drain tummy tuck is a reasonable option. I have be performing it successfully for over 5 years. The original technique was published by Drs Pollock and Pollock over 10 years ago.

Based on my experience, I published a revised technique using special sutures and have presented courses on this technique in the last few years. (Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

No Drain Tummy Tuck and cost

Drains are used in surgeries, where there is a large are of undermining, to carry away excess fluid and prevent a seroma from forming. In larger tummy tucks, using closed suction drains can help reduce the risk of seroma formation and possible subsequent infection. In a smaller tummy tuck, with less undermining, drains may not be necessary.

Drain free tummy tuck photos

There is no innate advantage to a “drain free tummy tuck“, and there should be no additional cost to a surgery, solely because the surgery was performed without the use of a drain. (Vincent D. Lepore, MD, San Jose Plastic Surgeon)

Using a drain during a tummy tuck surgery

Drains are used to minimize complications after tummy tuck surgery and are well tolerated in most people. I would recommend a drain during your tummy tuck procedure. A no-drain procedure places too much risk for patients in terms of seroma development. (Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)

No drain tummy-tuck may be good option

Drain free tummy tuck image

There are many different techniques described for adominoplasty (tummy tuck). Recently a paper was presented at our ASPS national meeting showing results of a full tummy tuck without a drain. Using a technique called “progressive advancement closure” these authors demonstrated good results without the use of a drain.

Other techniques for mini- tummy tuck, also called the Avelar technique, does not require a drain and can provide excellent results with proper patient selection. These techniques may not be offered by all plastic surgeons, so you will want to check with your doctor about these techniques.

The main risk with not using a drain is a seroma, but this can also occur when a drain is used. Usually there is no additional cost with these techniques. A discussion regarding the risks and benefits is always an important part of the consultation process. (Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS, Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon)

What’s the big deal about drains

The drain free tummy tuck photo

A teacher of mine used to say, ‘I have never regretted putting in a drain, but I have definitely regretted not having one.’ In the big scheme of things, a drain should be a minor consideration in your choice of surgeons. Ask to see photographs from the surgeons you interview, and choose the surgeon whose results you like best, irrespective of whether he uses drains or not. In most cases drains are not essential, but they are really a minor inconvenience, and if a seroma were to occur, you’d wish you had one. (Jeffrey Hartog, MD, Orlando Plastic Surgeon)

Opinions on drain free tummy tuck?

There are probably more of us that use drains than don’t.But that is not to say it is a bad thing. Just another variation, but I would probably not decide on a surgeon based on that alone. There are so many other factors to your result and the discomfort and hassle of the drain are probably lower on the list of “deal breakers”! (John J. Corey, MD, Phoenix Plastic Surgeon)

Drains or No drains for Abdominoplasty

The use or lack of drains with abdominoplasty is more of a surgeon preference than anything else. I still personally use drains but there are surgeons that have low seroma rates not using drains. I have found that the incidence of seromas with larger abdominoplasties is higher when I don’t use drains. Other than OR costs due to longer time, there should not be much difference in cost. (Donald Griffin, MD, Nashville Plastic Surgeon)

This is the doctors choice. one method is not better. i use drains , my associate doesn’t choose your doctor on their experience and results. Not on a drain (Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS, Orange County Plastic Surgeon)