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Drains After a TT?

I am noticing that each PS is different with drains after a TT & Lipo of flanks. I've noticed as many as 3 drains to ZERO drains. I'm more surprised with the ones that do not have drains, isn't that bad?

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19 Doctor Answers | Asked by ApelilaMom in Frisco, Texas

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Drains After a TT?

In every aspect of plastic surgery you will find differences of opinion and each surgeon modifies techniques to get the best results for the patient. It doesn't matter how many drains are used, the goal is a patient happy with her results. That said, the most common drain useage is one drain on an average sized patient, although there are some very good surgeons who now are using no drains because they use a technique called progressive advancement sutures which has decreased the risk of... more

Drain Use After Abdominoplasty

Thank you for the question. As in most instances in plastic surgery there are many varying opinions. We all do what will provide the patient the best results consistently in our hands. The use of quilting sutures to tack down the soft tissues and eliminate dead space is a good technique, but not necessarily right for everyone.For the surgeon and patient it should not be about how many drains are used but rather what type of result can be realized that should matter most. I hope this... more

Use of drains after tummy tuck

Most of the time the use of drains is a surgeon's preference, usually based on training background and clinical experiences. The use of drain, number of drains used, locations where drains are placed, criteria used to remove drains are a reflection of each surgeon's philosophy regarding how to best manage the post surgical fluid build up. The end result is what counts. Discuss the use of drains with your surgeon and make sure you understand the reasons for it. Best Wishes, Stewart... more

Drains are helpful to allow for proper healing after an abdominoplasty

A lot of patients are concerned about the use of drains with abdominoplasty surgery. They are annoying but they do serve a useful purpose. In a tummy tuck the skin is separated from the abdominal wall and the muscles are tightened. The skin is then pulled down tight and redraped over the muscles. That space between the skin and the muscles can fill up with fluid. Think of the fluid that leaks out from a scrape on the skin, it is the same type of fluid that leaks... more

Drains after a tummy tuck

Drain questions are one of the chief concerns I address in most of my consultations. After surgery, the body responds by increasing the amount of fluid to the area that was operated on. Sometimes a fluid collection can cause a seroma or even become infected. That is why many surgeons choose to place a drain in the area to remove this fluid. Whether or not you will need a drain, where they are placed and the number used will depend on your surgeon, the type of surgery you... more

Drains After a TT?

Each patient is different, each surgeon is different. Those who don't use drains typically use a fair number of extra internal sutures to minimize the chances of fluid collection. There is no consensus that one way is better than another. The number of drains will vary by the size of the patient and the nature of the surgery--not every TT is the same. When you ready for an in person consultation, RealSelf has listings of surgeons in your area. You should consider cross... more

Drainless Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck without Drains)

When abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) is performed in the traditional fashion, the area under the abdominal skin and fat which sit on top of the deeper rectus abdominal muscles is left "open" and only the bottom incision at the bikini-line is closed. In order to prevent fluid collection in this open space, traditionally, drainage tubes are placed and brought out and sewn at the skin (usually 2). This method is a few minutes faster for the surgeon, but for the patient, has the... more

Tummy Tuck and Liposuction of the Flanks

If substantial liposuction of 2 to 4 liters of liposuction is done at the time of tummy tuck, placing two drains is not unreasonable. The drainage can be collected neatly into the drains rather than ending up on the bedsheets. Fluid collection will develop at some point in some patient if you do enough tummy tucks. If you are willing to drain that, then drains are not a must.

Drains are used at the discretion of the plastic surgeon after a tummy tuck.

I don't use drains anymore after tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). For a while now, I use a "quilting" technique which obviates the need for drains in my hands. Nevertheless, this is a lone opinion and each surgeon adjusts his technique to benefit the patient.

Tummy tuck and drains

Thank you for your question. As you can see from the many answers, there are different thoughts on the use of drains after a tummy tuck procedure. I would venture to say that most plastic surgeons use at least one drain after a tummy tuck . Most surgeons leave them in place until the drainage is less than 20-30 ml per 24 hour period. Some plastic surgeons do not use drains. One technique involves using progressive tension sutures to compress the space under the skin to... more

Drains after tummy tuck

Hi ApelilaMom, thanks for your question! The number of drains I use for a tummy tuck will depend on the amount of surgery performed. A gastric bypass patient who has lost 200 pounds will have more skin removed and more surgery and therefore require more drains, whereas a person who has less skin removed will usually only need one drain. The drains stay in for about 10 days and are removed painlessly in the office. I hope that helps and wish you all the best! more

Drains after TT.

Thanks for your question. There are some techniques in which no drain can be used and others where one or multiple drains are needed. Most surgeons use drains. Some patients are better candidates for one technique versus another. Talk to your PS and see what options you have. Best wishes. Dr. Aldo.

Aldo Guerra, MD

55 reviews

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

Uses of drains following an abdominoplasty

An operation such as an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck requires a wide undermining of skin. This is done to give access to the underlying fascia which, in most cases, needs to be repaired in order to improve the resting tone of the abdomen. Drains are used to decrease the accumulation of fluid under the skin and to create a vacuum to allow proper reattachement of the skin flaps. In many cases quilting sutures are used to secure the skin flap to the underlying fascia.... more

Drains after tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. As you have correctly noted, every surgeon has a different “protocol” in regards to the use of drains after tummy tuck surgery; therefore, for the most precise answer you probably should check with your own plastic surgeon. Personally, I use drains for one to two weeks after surgery and remove them when the output is less than 20 mL per drain per day. Best wishes for a safe and successful procedure.

Drains and tummy tuck

Every doctor will have a different plan but the most common procedure is to use one or 2 drains after a tummy tuck and they stay in until less the 30 cc is produced over 24 hours. Good luck!

Drains after tummy tuck

Drains may reduce your risk of seroma (fluid collections) and speed resolution of swelling. How many are used depends on the extensiveness of your procedure and what your surgeon has found to work well. Using quilting sutures (progressive tension sutures) between the skin and muscle seems to help in a tummy tuck. This seems to promote healing and reduce fluid collections, reducing the number of drains needed and the time they are required. My advice- find the board certified plastic... more

Tummy tuck without drains

Drains are helpful in larger tummy tuck cases but are not always necessary. Rely on your experienced surgeon to give you the best advice.

Drains Are Worth The Bother After Tummy Tuck And Liposuction

Hello, Don't get too stuck on details like drains. Considering a moderately big operation like Abdominoplasty and liposuction, the burden of drains is a small part of the total recovery after surgery. Think more about wound care, nutrition, pain control, clot prevention, and activity. Like planning for a baby, planning for cosmetic surgery should be reasonably predictable. One or two drains is commonly done, lasting about one or two weeks. Good luck. Dan Downey MD... more

Most plastic surgeons use one or two drains when performing a tummy tuck with liposuction.

Most plastic surgeons place one or two drains when performing a tummy tuck and liposuction. The reason is to remove fluid that would otherwise accumulate under the skin. Otherwise, there is a risk that you would have to have it removed using a needle in the office (this can happen even if drains are used). The lymphatics grow back quickly and resume their function to take fluid out of the tissues. I personally use one drain and find it sufficient (I used two early in... more