Why do some doctors use drains after a tummy tuck. And some don't?

Hi Junta7101 and thank you for your question.  You ask a very important question and I think that it is important to note that the choice to use drains or not with a tummy tuck is highly patient and surgeon specific.  When performing a tummy tuck the skin of the abdomen is lifted off of the abdominal wall, the excess skin is trimmed or removed, the abdominal wall muscles are plicated, and the skin is then placed back down on the abdominal wall.  In the past it was almost routine for plastic surgeons to leave one or two drains between the skin and abdominal wall to help reduce the risk of fluid collections but today more and more surgeons are opting for a drainless tummy tuck.  A drainless tummy tuck requires quilting or sewing of the skin to the abdominal wall.  In my practice I have made the shift in recent years to a drainless tummy tuck procedure, as I have found that in most cases patients have a much easier recovery with a lower risk for fluid collection.  In some cases, I will still use drains depending upon the patient and their medical health profile.  I hope this helps an I wish you all of the best.

I would base the decision on the results and not necessarily on the methods used to achieve the results. I find it unnecessary to use drains if the compression garment is worn as instructed.  Select your PS based upon experience, education, American Board of Plastic Surgery certification, number of surgeries performed, and patient feedback.  Trust your PS to make the right decision to achieve an uneventful and successful recovery.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question. Drain use is a standard practice with tummy tuck, however, recently more surgeons are performing a specialized type of closure that allows for no drains. Not every patient is a candidate for drain-less tummy tuck, and not every surgeon is comfortable with the idea. Recent studies showed similar results and similar rates of complications whether drains are used or not. Presence of drains requires patients to empty drains and do measurements and sometimes there is a small added discomfort, otherwise there is no difference. Hope this answers your question.
Sincerely,
Olga Bachilo, MD