How long does the drainers stay in for a tummy tuck?

This will be based upon a multitude of considerations, and your surgeon should be able to instruct you appropriately.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

I typically do not remove the first drain before 7 days, regardless of the drainage volume. After that, the drains are removed when they produce less than 30 cc in a 24-hour period.  All of the drains should be out by 2 weeks.

Plastic surgeons have different criteria for when to remove drainage tubes after a tummy tuck.  Most of the time they are left in for 7 to 10 days. I typically like to see 25 mL or less for two or more days in a row prior to removing a drain.  I also don't always remove them both at the same time.