Full tummy tuck, BBL, HD Vaser lipo and skin tightening - How many drains would you use?

Drains are helpful after certain procedures to collect fluids as the body heals. Without drains it is possible that the fluid could accumulate and lead to seroma formation. An exam is needed to know for sure, but I would likely use two drains minimum for the procedures mentioned.

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding how many drains would be used for a full tummy tuck, BBL, HD VASER liposuction, and skin tightening. The number of drains needed depends on the extent of the procedures and your surgeon’s technique. While some surgeons perform these surgeries without drains, most experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons prefer to use multiple drains to prevent fluid buildup, reduce swelling, and promote optimal healing.

For this combination of procedures, three drains are typically used. One drain is usually placed near the belly button to help suction the linea alba, the vertical midline between the sternum and the belly button, which enhances muscle definition, particularly for high-definition abdominal contouring. The other two drains are placed in the pubic region to help remove fluid from the tummy tuck area, preventing complications like seromas and ensuring a smoother recovery.

The length of time the drains remain in place depends on the amount of liposuction and skin removal performed. Typically, the drain used for VASER HD liposuction is removed within 5 to 7 days, while the drains used for the tummy tuck generally need to stay in for 10 to 14 days, sometimes longer if significant amounts of skin and fat were removed. The more extensive the procedure, the longer the drains may need to stay to allow for proper healing and fluid drainage.

I hope this helps clarify what to expect in terms of drains after a full tummy tuck, BBL, HD VASER liposuction, and skin tightening. Be sure to follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to ensure the best possible outcome. Best of luck with your surgery!

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS

Photos would have been helpful. Generally, I use 1-2 drains for the tuck for usually a week, unless drainage is still occurring. I do not use drains for liposuction or BBL.