Drains after tummy tuck?
Doctor Answers 11
Thank you for your question.
During a tummy tuck surgery, there is space between the abdominal wall and the overlying fat and skin (the abdominal flap). The body will do what it usually does during the healing process, produce fluid, if nothing is done to close this space. Because there is nothing to confine the fluid from accumulating, a seroma can develop in this space. In other words, the tissue produces fluid more quickly than it can reabsorb.
Negative suction drains are placed in spaces like this to get rid of the fluid and create suction between the tissue planes. There is a way, however, to eliminate this space without using uncomfortable drainage tubes. Dr. Patel utilizes progressive tension sutures inside the tissues to close off the space and relieve tension on the last surgical closure. This results into less pain, less discomfort and less tension. Also, there will be better scarring with potentially minimizes infection risk.
We have successfully used progressive tension sutures during abdominoplasty instead of surgical drains, with a lower seroma rate than is generally thought to occur with tummy tucks and drains. With this method, the seroma rate is close to zero and you cannot beat that approach. Bets of luck!
Dhaval M. Patel
Double Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon
Hoffman Estates
Barrington
Oakbrook
Chicago
Thank you for your question.
During a tummy tuck surgery, there is space between the abdominal wall and the overlying fat and skin (the abdominal flap). The body will do what it usually does during the healing process, produce fluid, if nothing is done to close this space. Because there is nothing to confine the fluid from accumulating, a seroma can develop in this space. In other words, the tissue produces fluid more quickly than it can reabsorb.
Negative suction drains are placed in spaces like this to get rid of the fluid and create suction between the tissue planes. There is a way, however, to eliminate this space without using uncomfortable drainage tubes. Dr. Patel utilizes progressive tension sutures inside the tissues to close off the space and relieve tension on the last surgical closure. This results into less pain, less discomfort and less tension. Also, there will be better scarring with potentially minimizes infection risk.
We have successfully used progressive tension sutures during abdominoplasty instead of surgical drains, with a lower seroma rate than is generally thought to occur with tummy tucks and drains. With this method, the seroma rate is close to zero and you cannot beat that approach. Bets of luck!
Dhaval M. Patel
Double Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon
Hoffman Estates
Barrington
Oakbrook
Chicago
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Currently, many surgeons are attempting to make the healing process less complicated (and sometimes less painful) by using quilt-like sutures. The surgeon eliminates any so-called “dead space” between the skin and underlying tissue where fluid would accumulate by suturing the two together. By closing this dead space, it becomes less likely that fluid will accumulate at the incision site (however, there is always some risk of fluid accumulation regardless of the method used). Ultimately, the choice of using drains or a drainless method depends on your physician’s preference and each method’s suitability for the individual patient.
Currently, many surgeons are attempting to make the healing process less complicated (and sometimes less painful) by using quilt-like sutures. The surgeon eliminates any so-called “dead space” between the skin and underlying tissue where fluid would accumulate by suturing the two together. By closing this dead space, it becomes less likely that fluid will accumulate at the incision site (however, there is always some risk of fluid accumulation regardless of the method used). Ultimately, the choice of using drains or a drainless method depends on your physician’s preference and each method’s suitability for the individual patient.
Web reference: http://www.drbaxter.com/blog/blog/post/drain-or-no-drain-with-tummy-tuck
Learn more: http://www.drbaxter.com/blog/blog/post/drain-or-no-drain-with-tummy-tuck
Web reference: Http://www.nelson-center.com/tummy-tuck.html
Learn more: Http://www.nelson-center.com/tummy-tuck.html
What is far more important, is the choice of the surgeon. I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. While a second or third opinion may be worthwhile, continuing to pursue consultations until you get the answers that you think that you want to hear may not necessarily be in your best interest. If you are ambivalent, don’t do the procedure.
Robert Singer, MD FACS
La Jolla, California
What is far more important, is the choice of the surgeon. I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. While a second or third opinion may be worthwhile, continuing to pursue consultations until you get the answers that you think that you want to hear may not necessarily be in your best interest. If you are ambivalent, don’t do the procedure.
Robert Singer, MD FACS
La Jolla, California
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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