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

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

Thank you for your inquiry! The amount of drains placed depends on how much fluid you have during surgery. They are removed after surgery once they reach a certain daily output. We would love to meet with you in person to discuss your surgical options. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself to help you reach your goals and create a surgical plan.

Dear Inventive11682,

this will depend on the surgeon's preferences. Some won't use drains, others will use drains for tummy tuck procedure. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I do not use drains with a tummy tuck unless substantial liposuction is performed too, because progressive tension sutures are used for the tummy tuck. The use of the drains are only to remove fluid from the liposuction. They always come out in 5 to 6 days.

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.

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, thank you for your question. I personally use a small caliber drain for the lower back (which is the area where most of the fluid will lean towards because of gravity); and a larger caliber drain for the tummy tuck. The reason for this, in my perspective, 1. I need a drain on the lower back, specially if you are coming from abroad, because I want you to dry up and heal as fast as possible, and the lower back drain is a clean, efficient way to maximize your lymphatic massages and obviate the possibility of needing to get needle drained. 2. a larger caliber drain on the tummy would help for it not to get clogged so your recovery would stay on schedule, and, if fluid is accumulated on your abdominal area, a chronic serum might be created and your result might not end up as good. 3. Finally, why separate? well, because the output of the lower back from the liposuction is different than the tummy tuck's, allowing to remove each drain according to its own output