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Opinions On No Drain Tummy Tuck?

asked 6 months ago by Erin Woodridge in Woodridge, Illinois
Latest answer by J. Jason Wendel, MD
Question viewed 506 times
Tags: costs, no drains, opinion, risk

I read more and more about people getting a "no drain tummy tuck" but I don't see comments from Doctors as to if this is recommended over the regular tummy tuck. Are there Doctors in Illinois that perform a "no drain tummy tuck"? Are there additional risks to this procedure? Is there an additional cost to this procedure?

26 answers to Opinions On No Drain Tummy Tuck?

+2

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 procedure can be performed without them- your surgeon will ultimately decide what is best for you.This is an area of controversy in... more
William Bruno, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.williambrunomd.com

+3

Opinions On No Drain Tummy Tuck?

There ha been a quoted risk of about 20% for developing a seroma following a tummy tuck, using traditional techniques and WITH the use of drains. In recent years a "quilting technique" was proposed where multiple dissolvable sutures are placed between the undersurface of the tummy "flap" and the underlying abdominal wall fascia prior to closure to reduce the large open space that could potentially fill with seroma fluid. Some surgeons who starting using this... more
Robert M. Grenley, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+3

No drain tummy tuck

I have used both traditional drains and a technique that allows for avoiding drains, which can be irritating to patients and do not always prevent seromas anyway. Currently, I use a technique that involves progressive tension sutures that eliminate the space where fluid can accumulate. While it does take a little longer in the operating room, the end result is that patients do not need to care for drains and have them removed and patients have very few seromas (and there is no... more
Michelle Spring, MD

Marina Del Rey Plastic Surgeon
+3

It really depends on the tummy...

Hi Erin; The question of drains is one that has been debated continuously for the 15 years I've been in practice. While there is still no definitive answer, I subscribe to the idea that patients should plan to have a drain and be thrilled if they wake up without one. Drains obviously help limit the amount of fluid that can accumulate under the skin. In addition, they act as an early indicator of abnormal bleeding. So do drains always eliminate potential problems. NO !! Even... more
Robert Frank, MD

Munster Plastic Surgeon
+3

Drains or No Drains for TT

The use of drains in a tummy tuck is a little controversial at the moment. i use them as I suspect the majority of surgeons do. Obviously patients would prefer not to have them bit they serve a purpose, specifically to reduce the chance of getting fluid accumulate beneath the skin, also something docs and patients would prefer not to have. The use of drains doesn't have anything to do with the actual technique though, as if a "no drain" tummy tuck is better than a... more
Ronald Schuster, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

www.drschuster.com

+2

Drains and tummy tuck

I use drains for tummy tucks with or without a quilting technique. The risk of accumulating fluid is high in tummy tuck and dains are an excellent way to divert this fluid until the body has the capacity to absorb the remaining amount.
J. Jason Wendel, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon
+2

Tummy tuck without drains

There are surgeons who are able to perform an abdominoplasty without drains. I tried the technique a few years ago but found that I was not able to consistently prevent seromas so I did not think it worth the extra time. Also, we are performing more liposuction of the abdoman at the time of abdominoplasty and thus have a greater need for drains. So the bottom line is that is if your surgeon can get a good result without drains, fine. Just don't be the first patient he or she... more
Ann F. Reilley, MD

Baton Rouge Plastic Surgeon

www.plasticsurgerybr.com

+2

No-drain tummy-tuck

There are advantages and disadvantages to both techniques, also remember that one operation does not fit every patient. I use both a standard and no-drain abdominoplasties in my practice and feel that both give excellent results. The technique I use depends on the individual situation and desires of each patient. Since surgeons have been using an internal quilting technique, the incidence of seromas has almost dropped to zero. The amount of time drains have... more
Robert M. Jensen, MD

Medford Plastic Surgeon
+2

Yes, it can be done

Yes, some surgeons will do a suture underneath the skin to close the dead space. I always use drains because i feel more comfortable using them. The risk is that the sutures do not close the space and fluid will accumulate, which is a complication which can handled. see video
Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

+2

No drain tummy tuck is a great improvement over the old technique

I have been using the no-drains tummy tuck for two years now and I am very happy with it. For patients the biggest thing is the lack of drains, so less hassle and discomfort after the surgery. However I like this technique because the tighter abdominal closure allows me to place the scar lower and have less tension on it which leads to a better looking, more hidden scar. The extra time it takes to do is about 10 minutes. Well worth it. Sincerely, Martin... more
Martin Jugenburg, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon

www.torontosurgery.ca

+2

Opinions On No Drain Tummy Tuck?

Great question. Very different opinions. After over 30 years of TT's, trying both methods I find the following: It takes 30 to 50 minutes longer to use the "quilting" suture techniques so add extra fees for operating room, staff, anesthesia, drugs approx $400 to $800 more. Next, If a seroma or hematoma occurs I would be very concerned of an issue of falling below the "standard" in TT's. But I use the "no drain" option if the patient signs a full... more
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+2

Yes, no drain after tummy tuck

Some surgeons a reluctant to change. Not much of a controversy here though, as we have discontinued drains on tummy tuck for many years as have other practices. There are no additional risks, and the recovery is much easier without. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Drains with Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. The use of drains will vary from one surgeon to another. As long as your surgeon is a well experienced board certified plastic surgeon who can achieve the results you're looking for, the Travel safeuse of drains ( or not) should not be a primary concern. I personally use drains for tummt tuck surgery and probably will continue to do so given the risks associated with not using drains. I would certainly not fault surgeons who do... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+2

No drain tummy tuck

Several surgeons like this technique. I personally use drains to help prevent seroma and/or hematoma. Donald R. Nunn MD Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.
Donald Nunn, MD, DDS

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

No drain tummy tucks

Most surgeons use drains in an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to prevent a seroma (fluid collection under the skin). Using quilting sutures or using a different dissection technique might prevent the use of drains, however it does not always prevent all seroma formation. The results and costs should be about the same with any technique.
Donna Rich, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+2

Drain use in Tummy Tuck Surgery

Hi there- While there will not be universal agreement on this issue among surgeons, as the decision to use drains or not is essentially a personal preference, most surgeons I know and respect still believe that the likelihood of you achieving a safe and reliably lovely outcome with minimization of complications is higher if drains are placed. In other words, it's possible to have a tummy tuck without drains, but in order to make this safe, the operation will beed to be longer and... more
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

+2

Use of drains in a Tummy Tuck

The use of drains in a tummy tuck is contoversial. The purpose is to evacuate any fluid or blood accumulation in a large area under the skin. This widely undermined area may also be tacked-down with sutures essentially obliterating any potential space where fluid might accumulate. Some surgeons may use drains, some may use sutures and some may use both. A "no drain tummy tuck" does not refer to a specific technique and perhaps may be... more
Stephen Delia, M.D.

Boston Plastic Surgeon
+2

Tummy tuck drains

The decision to use drains iis made by the plastic surgeon to help avoid seroma formation. This does not add additional costs and reduces the risk of a known complication. The drains are your friend and the requirement to empty them and measure the drainage is not a big deal. If you cook and measure out fluid, then you know the idea. This is one area in which the surgeon's judgment should not be subject to debate.
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+2

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... more
Jay M. Pensler, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

No Drain Tummy Tuck

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. You may read more about the technique if you Google search for "gutowski progressive tension suture abdominoplasty"
Karol A. Gutowski, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

No Drain Tummy Tuck and cost

Dear Erin, 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. There is no innate advantage to a "no drain tummy tuck", and there should be... more
Vincent D. Lepore, MD

San Jose Plastic Surgeon

www.vincentleporemd.com

+1

No drain tummy-tuck may be good option

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... more
Steven L. Ringler, MD

Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon

www.stevenringlermd.com

+1

What's the big deal about drains

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... more
Jeffrey Hartog, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon
+1

Opinions On No Drain Tummy Tuck?Answer:

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
+1

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
+1

No drain tummy tuck

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

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

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