What are the pros and cons of a Drainless Tummy Tuck?

Plastic surgeon performing tummy tucks for more than half a century years have used drains. Recently a technique has been slowly becoming more popular using Progressive Tension Sutures (quilting stitches) to attach the superficial skin/fat to the deep muscle layer below to prevent fluid accumulation that a drain would otherwise remove. 
It is not fool proof (nothing is), takes a bit more time under anesthesia to place these stitches and a girdle is generally worn immediately but a drain-less Tummy Tuck seems to work well. Patients tend to like this as there is no drain care and they can shower earlier. There may be slightly more swelling, more of a chance for seroma in some but in the long run (after 1-2 months) no difference in the swelling of those with and those without drains. On the other hand use of drains in my experience is a quicker operative time, early on prevents seroma and minimizes bruising, easy and painless to remove postoperatively, no need to wear the elastic garment/girdle until the drains come out in my practice.
#tummytuck#drainornodrain#tt

Thank you for your question.  Most patients prefer not having a drain with a tummy tuck if possible. The technique that I use is referred to as a "progressive tension closure" tummy tuck. With this procedure, it not only eliminates the need for a drain, but also enhances the cosmetic result and quickens recovery.  I have not found any drawbacks to not using drains and in fact, see fewer seromas using this technique than other common techniques where drains are used. 

In a traditional tummy tuck, fluid can accumulate in the "open space" that the procedure creates between the abdominal flap (the skin and fat) and the abdominal wall. Some surgeons insert drains to avoid this. In my practice, 99.9% of all my tummy tuck patients are candidates for a drainless tummy tuck. This technique uses progressive tension sutures to essentially eliminate the open space, removing the need for a drain. Patients are unable to feel the internal sutures, and they dissolve over time. In addition to eliminating the need for drains, this form of suturing removes tension from the incision resulting in a very fine-line scar when healed, as well as helps the surgeon to achieve a more natural contour to the tummy, specifically around the belly button to have a more natural appearance.My tummy tucks have been drainless for 10+ years, and in my opinion, drain-free is all upside no downside.I show my technique frequent on SnapChat when patients consent, so add us at plasticsurgcolo.I recommend seeking a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to learn more.

The advantage is that you dont have to deal with the drains.  Also, there will be no little scar holes where the drains come out.  The disdavantage is that in some circumstances the seroma rate will be higher.Best wishes

Iggyserge1, 
Historically drains were placed during abdominoplasty to avoid postoperative fluid collections. Today with newer techniques drains are no longer required during a traditional abdominoplasty. Often drains are placed when liposuction is combined with an abdominoplasty because of the larger fluid burden. Drainless abdominoplasty is easier on the patient because they do not have to care for drains for several days. 

Over the years, surgeons have improved procedures and found ways to eliminate the need for #drains commonly used in a #tummy #tuck or #abdominoplasty, and a variety of other operations. I have found that most of my patients do very well with the exception of those have large areas of liposuction or lipo-abdominoplasty. Any extra fluid may be reabsorbed back into the body without the use of drains.  I may use drains on a case by case basis for these patients. 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. The use of tissue #glue is to adhere the abdominal #skin to the #muscle. It is a new option and alternative to sutures in a tummy tuck. 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. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will recommend the type best suited for you. The most important decision to be made before performing any surgical procedure is determining whether you are an ideal #candidate.

Drains were traditionally used after tummy tuck procedures in order to prevent a fluid collection (or seroma) from developing. A newer technique which involves placing multiple "quilting" type sutures under the skin makes drains unnecessary. It is nice to avoid drains because they can be uncomfortable and a hassle to lug around. 

If given the choice most patients would rather not have drains than to have drains. Why would you want to have drains if it wasn't need. Drains require care not to be inadvertantly pulled out, need to measur and monitor the amount of drainage, limit activity after surgery, can be painful,  and can result in infection. Mostly drains are an adversion to most non medical care givers ie: most people don't like mearing and emptying blood and fluid from someone. Patients seem to recover faster with a "Drainless Tummy Tuck:.
I have had excellent results  with "TissuGlu" that is a surgical adhesive the seals the abdominal skin to the  underlying muscles. 

Thank you for the enquiry.The traditional tummy tuck was associated with fluid collections that could persist for weeks after surgery and for this reason, drains were typically used.  One reason fluid collections occur is due to the fact that the skin and fat slide over the underlying abdominal muscles (the fascia).Several techniques have since emerges that either tack the skin and fat to the muscle thus eliminating the space and prevent sliding.  A second approach is to debunk the fat with liposuction thus preserving lymphatic and minimizing skin elevation.  Both techniques do not require a drain although I continue to use a single drain to monitor for possible bleeding after surgery.  The drain is usually removed the next day.I hope this answer is helpful.

A drainless tummy tuck is about more than simply not dealing with post-operative drains. The approach used during surgery is different, incorporating a special suture technique that diffuses tension directly on the incision and promotes smoother contours throughout the abdomen. Liposuction is included as well so your final results are superior compared to a traditional tummy tuck. As one of the pioneers of this technique, I have consistently seen better outcomes combined with a more comfortable recovery every time I perform a drainless tummy tuck.