There is a technique where the drain is not needed in abdominoplasty. If your surgeon feels comfortable with that technique do not worry. In my practice I use always drain in the tummy tuck. (Aramis Vega, MD, Dominican Republic Plastic Surgeon)
Drains and tummy tucks
The use of drains is a surgeons preference. This is based on surgeons experience and technique. Like in everything else there are some advantages and disadvantages to both. Talk to your surgeon to find our if he/she uses drains and why. (Humberto Palladino, MD, FACS, )
Drain-less Tummy Tuck
There is a “drain-less” tummy tuck technique. I would not be comfortable performing a tummy tuck without the use of a drain. If your surgeon has experience with this technique and a very low seroma rate then it may be reasonable. (Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
No drains needed for tummy tucks
It is not only safe to avoid drains after tummy tucks, it is preferred. Drains are annoying and uncomfortable. The most common complaint after a tummy tuck was the drains! Also, if you have drains in place, you shoule be on antibiotics. Without drains, no antibiotics post-op are needed.
Without drains, you can shower the next day and move around with much greater ease and less discomfort. Plus, if the surgeon performs the procedure correctly, your chance of getting a post-operative seroma is virtually zero%. I would highly recommend you try to find a surgeon who doesn’t use drains. Best wishes! (Victor Ferrari, MD, FACS, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)