What are the pros and cons of having drains after a BBL/lipo vs no drains?

Question

I see some doctors use them, and some close the incisions.

Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. Personally, after performing a multitude of liposuction and brazilian butt lift operations I have found it extremely useful to use a Jackson-Pratt drain for 4-5 days after surgery to allow drainage of excess fluid after surgery. I am a firm believer in the use of drains. All of my liposuction and BBL patients receive a drain and thankfully my seroma rate has been almost zero. Alex Zuriarrain, MD - Plastic SurgeryCleveland Clinic Trained

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your questions. Patients usually have two to four drains placed in the areas of the body treated with liposuction. These drains help speed recovery, decrease postoperative complications, and are generally removed in five to tens days after surgery.Without drains you run the risk of seromas which is a pocket of clear serous fluid that sometimes develops in the body after surgery. Larger seromas may require treatment by your doctor. Your doctor may suggest draining the seroma if it's large or painful. To do this, your doctor will insert a needle into the seroma and remove the fluid with a syringe.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear Diamond BOoty,Simple...drains are a surgeon's choice.  I have been doing liposuction for over 23 years and have had only 3 seromas in over 4000 cases!  All of these healed without further surgery.  I have NEVER used a drain.  The risk of a seroma is extremely low with traditional liposuction and the risk of infection increases with the use of a drain (funny no one mentions that ).Go to several local board certified plastic surgeons in your area and find the one that you feel most comfortable with.Best of luck with your search.Dr T

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hi. Since I prefer traditional lipo to ensure  fat cells integrity for a successful transfer and  survival in the receptor area I do not need to use drains with my patients since this tecnique do not allow seromas to form. Others PS work with  techniques that  contribute to seroma formation (a collection of  serous fluid) and they need to use drains after the Lipo  to let liquids out.International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Member of the International Societ of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

What are the pros and cons of having drains after a BBL/lipo vs no drains?

Answers (4)

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