Mini Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Mini Tummy Tuck w/ No Drains

I'm planning on having a mini tuck and my PS explained that he doesnt use drains. He wants me to visit him once a week for drainage. Is this common??

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22 Doctor Answers | Asked by muneca1965 in Montclair, NJ
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Mini Tummy Tuck w/ No Drains

I recommend that you not be too worried about exactly how your plastic surgeon does his or her procedures. One of the many fascinating things about plastic surgery is that reputable surgeons can differ greatly in how they do their operations. This can be confusing to the patient who may receive different opinions from different surgeons. Your most important job is to select a surgeon who is experienced, confident and kind. Take advantage of any available resources to find that... more
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Mini Tummy Tuck

21. is gone and after a couple of days, we can remove the drain. We remove when output is less than 20cc/24 hours for two days consecutively. No drain leaves a chance for fluid accumulation and a need for a needle stick to aspirate the fluid, never a popular procedure.
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Tummy tuck and drains

Different plastic surgeons utilize different techniques and may differ whether they feel the drains are or aren't necessary. Personally, I think the use of drains would be more common than planning weekly aspirations. Communicate any questions or concerns with your surgeon prior to surgery so that you feel more comfortable. Best wishes.

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Do mini Tummy Tucks require drains?

Depending on the size of the mini tummy tuck or mini abdominoplasty, the surgery may or may not require the placement of drains. 
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Drains are common after a tummy tuck

After a standard tummy tuck, drains are frequently used.  However, a mini-tummy tuck involves removal of less skin so drains may or may not be required.
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Drains are not a big deal in tummy tucks

I am amazed by what an issue the patients are making about drains in regards to a tummy tuck.  I personally use only one and it is no wider than a piece of spaghetti and comes out with no pain at all.  It is there to help the healing and to prevent fluid collections that can slow healing.   The last thing a patient or group of patients should do is to try to decide on where to have surgery based on something like using or not using a drain.  Let the surgeon do what... more
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Scheduled drainage?

Hello, I have not seen a surgeon use a scheduled needle drainage technique as opposed to placing drains at surgery. With a mini tummy tuck drains are usually only in for a short while. It might work. Ask your surgeon what his experience is with this technique.     Best Regards,   John Di Saia MD
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Look at results from tummy tucks

Like others have said, the specific technique is not as important as the experience of your surgeon.  It's perfectly accetable to use or not use drains.  Personally, I have not used drains in tummy tuck surgery for over 15 years, but have also incorporated internal suturing techniques for avoiding fluid collections which I feel have helped improve the overall results.  With these techniques I have not had any problems with fluid collections.  Should someone not use... more
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Drains after a mini-tummy tuck (mini-abdominoplasty)

While each procedure has a general way it is approached, the nuances between individual surgeons can be great and do not affect outcome.  While the internet has been great in helping to educate patients regarding procedures, this is a perfect example of where there is just too much information.  You should be concerned with greater issues such as the experience level of your surgeon, are you comfortable with them, do you like the way their patients look in before and after... more
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Drains are used by most plastic surgeons for mini-tummy tucks

As you have read, there is a diversity of answers which shows that there can be more than one way to do something which works. Some plastic surgeons do perform a mini-tummy tuck without a drain and may not have an increased rate of fluid accumulation called a seroma. However, if they rely on repeated aspiration of fluid from the cavity as the expected treatment - this is not ideal or truly appropriate. Personally, I place a drain in all my mini-tummy tucks as I find it effective in... more
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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

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