Tumescent Liposuction: Q&A

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Should I Use a Surgical Drain After Tumescent Lipo?

My doctor suggested that we use a surgical drain to help with the fluid post-op. I have done some research on these and from my understanding they are not generally used for this procedure (which he told me- but he has started using them and said its hard to turn back as he finds them to be much better). It is absolutely my decision whether I want it or not. He said it would help minimize a "mess" and can help get a better/flatter result.

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13 Doctor Answers | Asked by mlle86

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Drain and tumescent liposuction

I have never ever used a drain for tumescent liposuction. I have only used in conjunction with other open procedures such as an abdominoplasty. I know it is used sometimes with Vaser.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Tumescent Lipo

We have tried using drains and they do make a difference for the better and I recommend them, especially for the larger cases. Thank you for your question and good luck with everything.

Liposuction and use of drain?

Thank you for the question. Generally, drains are not used/necessary for liposuction procedures. Also, my perception does not have to be a “mess” depending on the closure of suture lines. If a open technique is used (suture lines are left open) then significant drainage from the suture lines should be expected (" mess”). If the suture lines are close there will be a lot less drainage to be concerned about. I hope this helps. more

Drains and Liposuction

Drains are not used with liposuction unless some other procedure is performed at the same time that requires a drain tube to be placed.

Tumescent Liposuction and drains

Usually drains are not necessary when doing tumescent liposuction. However, if your surgeon has recommended the use of drains he or she may have a good reason and I would suggest you follow their advice.

Drains are usually not used in liposuction

Drains are usually not used in liposuction but if your surgeon finds the need for it, then maybe you would get more fluid accumulation than is normally expected. The advantage of drains is that they may allow excess fluid to drain but the disadvantage is that it may allow an entry for bacteria and infection. Normal tumescent liposuction does not require drains to be inserted.

Do I need a drain after tumescent liposuction?

I could not imagine how one would place a drain after tumescent liposuction unles an additional procedure was performed (abdominoplasty, thigh lift etc.) Nevertheless, trust your surgeon to do what is right in your case.

I use drains after more aggressive liposuction cases.

I use drains after more aggressive liposuction cases. Standard, small area liposuction does not require drains, but more aggressive liposuction can be higher risk for seromas (fluid build-up under the skin surface) which may need to be drained later. Even though it may be "your choice" whether to use the drains or not, it is usually better to follow the preference of your surgeon. You chose your surgeon because you trust him/her and are confident in their skills... more

Drains after liposuction?

I have never used a drain after any liposuction procedure, nor do I see the need for one. There shouldn't be any "cavity" for a drain to even sit in after liposuction. Is your doctor certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? (NOT "cosmetic" surgery). If not, you might consider having a consultation with a surgeon who IS a real plastic surgeon and get his/her opinion.

Carmen Kavali, MD

11 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Drains are not used with liposuction.

I'm not even sure how one could place a drain after liposuction since there is no sizeable cavity. Nevertheless, I have done lipo for 25 years and used tumescent fluid to prepare that fat for different types of liposuction. I have never used a drain and recall only one seroma.

Purely tumescent liposuction does not require drain

I use a purely tumescent technique for liposculpture. Small areas ( usually 3 areas maximum) are treated at one time, and no IV medications are required. Small adit sites (~2mm holes) are created for the introduction of very small microcannulas to remove the fat. No drains are required. The tumescent fluid drains readily from the adit sites as well as being naturally filtered from your body, which may results in increased urination for the first 24 hours or so... more

Melanie D. Palm, MD

10 reviews

San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon

Drains after tumescent liposuction

Generally drains are not used after tumescent liposuction unless an additional procedure such as a lift is performed in the same region. The risk of seroma or fluid collection in the absence of a concommitant lift is pretty low.