Some doctors insert drains after a TT for 1-2 weeks and another consultation told me he doesn't use drains but rather uses a different suturing procedure that doesn't require drains. I would rather not have drains but wonder where does all that extra fluid go that would normally drain out of the drain? Will I be more swollen without a drain? Is this a newer technique or a gimmick?
October 9, 2017
Answer: Drains or no drains? This is a great question and you’ll definitely get different answers from different surgeons. There are several maneuvers a surgeon can undertake to minimize the amount of fluid that will collect under the flap after a tummy tuck. Some of these (quilting sutures or tissue glue for instance) should not adversely affect the results. Others (limiting the extent of surgical undermining and excising less tissue) may result in less dramatic outcomes from surgery. I’m definitely in the more aggressive surgery camp and I virtually always use drains. I will definitely agree the surgery can be done without drains and the rate of seroma (fluid collection) will be acceptably low. The results, in my opinion are not as good though. Be sure and have your surgeon show you some before and after pictures to see if the results are what you’re looking for. The price of surgery should be about the same either way.
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October 9, 2017
Answer: Drains or no drains? This is a great question and you’ll definitely get different answers from different surgeons. There are several maneuvers a surgeon can undertake to minimize the amount of fluid that will collect under the flap after a tummy tuck. Some of these (quilting sutures or tissue glue for instance) should not adversely affect the results. Others (limiting the extent of surgical undermining and excising less tissue) may result in less dramatic outcomes from surgery. I’m definitely in the more aggressive surgery camp and I virtually always use drains. I will definitely agree the surgery can be done without drains and the rate of seroma (fluid collection) will be acceptably low. The results, in my opinion are not as good though. Be sure and have your surgeon show you some before and after pictures to see if the results are what you’re looking for. The price of surgery should be about the same either way.
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August 10, 2017
Answer: Drain Free Tummy Tuck with TissueGlu The drain is uncomfortable, can leave a tell tale scar, and is difficult to manage. Without a drain the recovery is faster, easier, and more comfortable.
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August 10, 2017
Answer: Drain Free Tummy Tuck with TissueGlu The drain is uncomfortable, can leave a tell tale scar, and is difficult to manage. Without a drain the recovery is faster, easier, and more comfortable.
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June 3, 2017
Answer: Drains vs. No Drains with a Tummy Tuck The #drainage tubes for a tummy tuck are used by trained Plastic Surgeons for many different operations. The purpose is to drain extra fluid which may otherwise accumulate under the skin, fat or muscle following an operation. Patients generally find this annoying and uncomfortable and they can impede mobility and therefore slow aspects of #healing. Over the years, surgeons have improved procedures and found ways to eliminate the need for these #drains in a variety of operations; including #tummy #tuck or #abdominoplasty.I have found that most of my patients do very well with the exception of those have large areas of liposuction or lipo-abdominoplasty. I may use drains on a case by case basis for these patients. A newer option now can include the use of tissue #glue to adhere the abdominal #skin to the #muscle; eliminating any space that previously required a drain.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.
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June 3, 2017
Answer: Drains vs. No Drains with a Tummy Tuck The #drainage tubes for a tummy tuck are used by trained Plastic Surgeons for many different operations. The purpose is to drain extra fluid which may otherwise accumulate under the skin, fat or muscle following an operation. Patients generally find this annoying and uncomfortable and they can impede mobility and therefore slow aspects of #healing. Over the years, surgeons have improved procedures and found ways to eliminate the need for these #drains in a variety of operations; including #tummy #tuck or #abdominoplasty.I have found that most of my patients do very well with the exception of those have large areas of liposuction or lipo-abdominoplasty. I may use drains on a case by case basis for these patients. A newer option now can include the use of tissue #glue to adhere the abdominal #skin to the #muscle; eliminating any space that previously required a drain.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.
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