Where exactly do the drainage tubes physically go during a Panniculectomy? (photos)

Question

I am 3 weeks post-op and it dawned on me that I never really knew where the drainage tubes go that were placed in me during surgery. I had a Panniculectomy and he did a fabulous job on my body, w/o taking away my curves. I am multi-racial, reside in New Orleans, & I love my curves and so does my husband! We have eight (8) beautiful children, we're 38 yo & the Panniculectomy was certainly worth it --- I just want to know where are those darn tubes placed, lol!

Rukmini S. Rednam, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Anastalgia,So glad to hear your surgery was success!  The drainage tubes are placed under the skin and on top of your abdominal wall (muscle and fascia layer) in the new space that is created due to the surgery.  The drains remove the natural fluid your body makes while it's healing when a space is present that is not normally there. As the space becomes smaller because of healing the fluid decreases enough that your body can absorb it on its own without collecting and the drains are no longer necessary. Hope your healing continues to go well!Dr. Rednam

Joyce C. Chen, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Drains for a panniculectomy are typically placed between the skin/subcutaneous fat flap that was raised during your surgery and your abdominal wall.  When placed in this space, drains helps to minimize fluid collecting in this space and facilitates healing of the flap over your abdominal wall.  Hope this helps!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.  Drainage tubes are placed between a patient's abdominal muscles and the overlying adipose tissue that is lifted during surgery. They are oriented along the areas expected to accumulate fluid, such as along the lower abdomen and occasionally running up the middle of the stomach.  Hope this helps.

Thomas Trey Sands, MD · Answer

So happy that you are recovering well and happy with your result this far. Those tubes are about 10 inches long and are placed under the skin that is elevated and pulled down to your groin. The tibes are important to drain the fluid in this space so that the skin and fat sticks down to the abdominal wall and no further fluid accumulates.

Where exactly do the drainage tubes physically go during a Panniculectomy? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Tubes after panniculectomy.

Answer: Tubes after panniculectomy.

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Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

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

Where exactly do the drainage tubes physically go during a Panniculectomy? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Tubes after panniculectomy.

Answer: Tubes after panniculectomy.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

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