Drains vs drainless for tummy tuck with muscle repair? What is more risky?

Recovery will be very similar, except that you will not need to deal with the difficulty of managing the drains (draining them daily and keeping a log, they can get caught on your clothing and pull on the stitch holding them in place and that hurts, the site that the drains come out tends to be tender and there is always a scar where they come out (even if they come out the ends of the transverse scar). In addition, in a study we are publishing, we noted that the rate of fluid collections (seroma), the very thing the drains are supposed to prevent, was dramatically decreased using the no drain tummy tuck procedure. So, for these reasons I no longer use drains and prefer the no drain tummy tuck. The results are similar, but my patients and nurses have noted that the recovery is easier without the annoying drains. I hope this helps and best wishes

The purpose of applying #drains to a tummy tuck is to release extra fluid that may otherwise accumulate under the skin, fat or muscle following surgery. Patients generally find this annoying and uncomfortable and they can impede mobility and therefore slow aspects of #healing. Over the years, surgeons have improved procedures and found ways to eliminate the need for these #drains in a variety of operations; including #tummy #tuck or #abdominoplasty.I have found that most of my patients do very well with the exception of those have large areas of liposuction or lipo-abdominoplasty.  I may use drains on a case by case basis for these patients. Also, a newer option now can include the use of tissue #glue to adhere the abdominal #skin to the #muscle; eliminating any space that previously required a drain. If you go to a plastic #surgeon who uses drains, or if your situation requires drains, they usually stay in 3-5 days but may be required to remain in longer.Information that you read online may not apply to your personal situation. All surgical procedures carry some degree of #risk. Always discuss your issues and concerns with the Plastic Surgeon during and following your consultation. The suitability of your procedures and any specific risks may be determined during you #consultation. Also, another element to a satisfying result of your procedures are realistic #expectations. The best method and #technique for your #procedures will be discussed in greater length during your one-on-one consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

I almost always recommend a post-surgical drain for 1-2 weeks after
surgery, primarily to avoid a seroma, or collection of fluid under the skin
which may require additional surgery.There are new drain-less techniques in development, but they have not
yet proven successful in the long run.Utilizing additional sutures underneath the abdominal flap can lead to
distorted results, and while some surgeons are recommending the use of a new
adhesive, there have been no long-term research on the effectiveness of this
approach.

Whether or not you use drains will not affect your recovery. The right decision for you is really up to you and your surgeon. My best,Dr. Sheila Nazarian@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Thanks for your question.There is no conclusive answer to which is best.  You should choose the surgeon you like and follow with what he/she is most comfortable with and has had good results performing.  The drainless procedure does have advantage of less post operative discomfort but disadvatage of more operative time.Good luckthank you