Tummy tuck drain
A drain at the time of a tummy tuck is not usually a big hassle for patients.
A drain is actually a pretty minor consideration and should not really affect your choice in who to go to for surgery.
The use of drains differs between surgeons. Some surgeons use two and others use just one (I use one).
I take it out in 3-4 days. It is not as much of a hassle as you might think. It helps to keep fluid from accumulating under the skin.
Tummy tuck drain image
Without it, there is more of a chance that you will develop a fluid collection that needs to be drained in the office using a needle (called a seroma).
Seromas are a bigger hassle than drains and can sometimes take months to go away. I believe that avoiding cautery dissection during surgery helps decrease the risk of seromas. In my practice the risk is 5%, which is low.
I also prefer a total IV anesthetic as opposed to the traditional general endotracheal anesthetic from the standpoint of patient recovery and greater safety (possibly fewer blood clots). I’ve attached a link to this section of my website in case you wish to read more. (Eric Swanson, MD, Kansas City Plastic Surgeon)
Drains or No Drain Tummy Tuck
The tummy tuck drain
I would rather have your concentrate on which surgeon makes you feel more comfortable and can demonstrate that he/she understands your objectives and can help you reach them. Small issues of technique are comparatively insignificant. (Jourdan Gottlieb, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
Drains versus no drains in tummy tuck surgery
There are surgeons who get exceptional tummy tuck results with either drain use or no drain use. The more liposuction that is done at the same time the higher the chance that a drain will be helpful.
Fairly thin patients that are not getting lipsuction done at the same time can also use the tissue glue method of sealing the surgical space so that a drain can be omitted.
Tummy tuck drain photo
I would choose the plastic surgeon that has the best before and after result for you and the one that you feel most compfortable with regardless of drain use. (Remus Repta, MD, Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon)
Drains with a tummy tuck are at the discretion of the surgeon.
I no longer use drains with a tummy tuck and have had no issues. Collection of fluid under the flap has been nonexistent. Nevertheless some surgeons choose to use them as I did in the past. It’s a matter of personal philosophy. (Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
