Is drainless mini tummy tuck better?

Question

Dear doctors, I am having a mini tummy tuck soon. My surgeon mentioned he performs both drain and drainless tummy tucks. He said he’s 50/50. He said something he doesn’t like about drainless is that the skin has no space in between the muscle and that’s just not natural. I don’t really understand what he meant by this. How does that change anything to me? I have read a bit about drainless and it seems safer overall. Can you tell me if that statement is true for a mini tummy tuck? Thank you

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, I previously used drains for all tummy tuck surgery, but after I switched to the drainless technique years ago I rarely use drains.  Initially I was reluctant to switch because I was concerned about the internal sutures (called "quilting sutures" or "sequential tension sutures") causing puckering of the overlying skin, or having increased risk of fluid collections (hematoma or seroma).   I haven't seen in increase in skin contour irregularities, and although I do get the occasional fluid collection with the drainless technique, this also happened even when I used drains.  A drain can't be left in too long or an infection will occur around the drain site on your skin.  Once the drain is pulled your body still needs to absorb excess fluid (just like it does with the drainless technique).  Although the drainless technique takes longer to perform and therefore is more expensive for the surgeon (because drains are inexpensive and quick to insert compared to doing a sequential tension suture closure), my patients are happy not to deal with the drain maintenance and I haven't seen an increased risk of complications in my practice.  Please note this is my personal perspective and other surgeons might find they get good results with drains.  I don't know what your surgeon means about the drainless technique changing the space between the muscle, but they would probably be happy to clarify this for you.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Drainless tummy tucks are based on the idea of progressive tension sutures (PTS), which tack the flap down to the muscle. I've been doing PTS for more than 20 years and it does dramatically reduce the amount of fluid that comes out it in the drain. However, the amount isn't zero, and I think it is better to have it come out into a drain rather than accumulate. So drainless isn't necessarily safer.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Drains are helpful to collect fluids from the surgical area as you heal.  They help to prevent seroma formation and are typically only left in for 3-10 days depending on output.  Your surgeon will let you know what is recommended for you based on the details of your surgery as well as your medical history.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear RealSelfMember09903993,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The surgery can be done with or without a drain. That’s something I would leave entirely up to the surgeon and should be the about the last thing to concern yourself with. It’s fine either way and the drain is no big deal at all

Is drainless mini tummy tuck better?

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Mi no tummy tuck

Answer: Mi no tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Mini Tummy Tuck

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Is drainless mini tummy tuck better?

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Mi no tummy tuck

Answer: Mi no tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mini Tummy Tuck

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