Chin Lipo (Tumescent): Open Versus Closed Drainage?

Open Incisions vs Closed for Liposuction is highly variable based on surgeon's preference. If they are to be closed then it would be right away, not 3 days later. Most Board Certified Plastic Surgeons close liposuction incisions regardless of the type of liposuction used (Smart Lipo, Ultrasonic liposuction, conventional or PAL - power assisted liposuction. In my more than 2 decades of practice and trying each of these devices, I have not found any prolonged recovery by closing incisions. On the contrary I feel that I have prevented the mess and hassle to the patient. The ultimate scar has a better chance of being smaller if sutured. I do not see an advantage in not putting in a stitch.

No ultimate difference with or without a stitch.  The scar just heals a bit better with a stitch.  The body absorbs the fluid readily.  Swelling after the surgery will have more fluid in the area, but it will not be draining, reabsorbing so don’t be too concerned about open drainage.  Open drainage is more of an issue with abdomen or leg liposuction.

Plastic surgeons are not the only type of specialist that offer this service.  Chin liposuction is a very comfortable procedure that can be done in an office procedure room under local anesthesia.  The procedure is best when performed with microcannulas.  The largest of these are less than 2 mm in diameter.  They can be advanced under the skin through a tiny poke that does not need a stitch.  My patients have this procedure on a friday and are back at work on Monday with minimal swelling and often no bruising.  However, the larger the cannula the surgeon used to do the liposuction, the bigger the incision.  When the incision is big, it will need to be sutured closed to minimize the scar.  Regarding "open" drainage, practically, there will be a small amount of drainage but within hours, these wounds will stop draining.  This is normal and the volumes involved here are minimal so closing a small would with a stitch or leaving the small wound to close on its own really has no bearing on out come.  It might be reasonable for you to consult a different specialty for this procedure like a derm surgeon who offers tumescent liposuction.