How long do drains typically stay in after a tummy tuck?

Drains are helpful after surgery to collect fluids and prevent complications such as seromas. Drains can typically come out within 5-10 days after surgery, but this can vary. If drains are removed too early your body will have the job of absorbing the fluid otherwise collected by the drains. I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. It is important that you feel comfortable with how you are progressing through recovery.

Hello. Great question. Drains typically stay in anywhere from 2-3 weeks. However, it all depends on the patient's drainage. Keep following your surgeon's post op instructions.

Thank you for your question! My patients typically have their drains for about 2 weeks, with one removed before the other. For removal, the drains must be under 30cc per 24 hour period. I typically don’t keep drains in passed 3 weeks, however every surgeon is different. If drains are removed too soon, a seroma can develop. A seroma is a fluid collection in a post surgical site. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!