Are Drainage Tubes Used for Neck Lift and/or Face Lift?

Both options are still utilized and need to be customized to the type of face and neck lift. 

Tisseel glue is an excellent option if you had a fibrotic reaction with tubes.

Tisseel "locks" the skin to the underlying tissue and allows the surgeon to avoid putting a drain.

Depending on how much blood buildup occurs after a neck/facelift, a surgeons may or may not use drains.  I do not use drains after a neck/facelift but instead attempt to keep bleeding as minimal as possible and use gentle manipulation the day after surgery to remove any possible collection.  Therefore the possiblities of fluid collection after surgery are treated without the possibility of fibrotic reaction from a drain.

The need for drainage tubes is at the discretion of the surgeon.  Most surgeons use the drainage tubes while some do not.  The risk of not using the drainage tubes is exactly what you describe - build up of fluid under the skin.  If you feel comfortable with your original surgeon that I would go there again.  If not, I would suggest seeking other consultations.  

 

Good Luck.