How long does drains stay in after liposuction? Aren't drains not commonly used in liposuction procedures?

Question

3500cc of fat was removed during my liposuction procedure, and I was given two drains. Drains seem to be uncommon for liposuction (more widely used after tummy tuck). How long can I expect them to stay in? My doctor did not remove them during my day 3 post op visit, but I do have a 10 day post op visit. Is it likely I would have stop draining by then?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Some physicians still use drains post liposuction, especially if they suture the incision sites closed.  I never use drains, but when I have in the past I removed them by the 3rd day.  They can stay in longer, at the discretion of the physician.  I wish you the best of luck, Dr. Emer.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I'm not exactly sure what sort of liposuction would even permit the placement drains. This is certainly not a conventional way of dealing with the postoperative situation.

Bernard Salameh, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. In my opinion, for small volume liposuction drains are not needed. However, I find drains helpful in large volume liposuction especially when performing BBL (Brazilian Butt Lifts) as liposuction is performed circumferentially around the trunk and large volume of fat is being removed. I don't think it will affect the ultimate result of the procedure but in high volume, in my opinion it gets rid of the swelling faster than not using drains.

I hope this helps. Best wishes! (Dr. Salameh, Plastic Surgeon, Bowling Green, KY)

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I have never had to use drains for traditional liposuction, but I will never say never to need to use them in the future. However, the heating liposuciton devices like VASER or SMART LIPO cause increased fluid and may require draining in some cases.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

I think you need to speak to the surgeon who did the procedure regarding your drains. He will have a plan in place and it doesn't matter what anyone on his site says because you already have a surgeon taking care of you.

How long does drains stay in after liposuction? Aren't drains not commonly used in liposuction procedures?

Answers (6)

Answer: Drains and liposuction

Answer: Drains and liposuction

Answer: How long does drains stay in after liposuction?

Answer: How long does drains stay in after liposuction?

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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How long does drains stay in after liposuction? Aren't drains not commonly used in liposuction procedures?

Answers (6)

Answer: Drains and liposuction

Answer: Drains and liposuction

Answer: How long does drains stay in after liposuction?

Answer: How long does drains stay in after liposuction?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.