At How Many Cc's Will Drain Be Removed After Tummy Tuck?

Many surgeons will use drains after tummy tuck. I think it helps to remove unwanted fluid from collecting beneath the skin. Surgeons have different criteria as to when they should be removed. In general most would remove them once the drainage gets below 30-50 cc per day. It also depends on the extent of surgery and whether or not quilting sutures are used, which can reduce the time need for drains.

Thank you for your question.  Drains are typically removed when there is less than 30cc in the drain for 24 hours.  In most cases, the first drain comes out by day 7 and the second drain by day 14.  Note that the drainage may increase after the first couple of days and the patient moves about more.  Each Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is different.  Best to share the goals with them, and together you will make a plan. 

Both drains are usually removed within 2 weeks. Occasionally, they need to be left in longer. It really depends on the patient and the surgeon. Your body will naturally process the fluids that are not drained.

The answer is usually between 25-30 cc over a 24 hour period.  Every surgeon is different but this is the usual range.

Dr. ES

Hello! We use suction drains and leave them in for a minimum of 48 hours following the procedure. The removal depends on the extent of the procedure & the fat aspirated. Typically we remove the drains after the output has dropped to 150 cc over 24 hours. The remaining fluid is absorbed by the body.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.