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

Thanks for your question.  It really depends on how much fluid is coming out of the drains. This varies from patient to patient and also on the extent of surgery.  Generally, I recommend that you wait until the drain is producing 20-30 cc (about an ounce of fluid) per 24 hours for 2 days.  Each surgeon has their own criteria, but this is a pretty common number.  For a tummy tuck, this may be 1-3 weeks, but I have had a few patients have their drains longer.  

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.

#TummyTuckDrains timing for removal varies from surgeon to surgeon. One to two weeks is the usual time for my patients for drains to be left in place and are generally removed when they drain less than 30 cc per 24 hours. If a lot of liposuction is done at the same time, it may take a bit longer.

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

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.  

Drains are removed based on output. Typically they are in place for 1-2 weeks following a tummy tuck, but it will vary by patient. Once the drainage output decreases to a given amount the drains will be removed.

When drains are used they usually stay in for one to two weeks.  In our practice we have been using progressive quilting sutures and no drains with excellent results.  That minimizes the after care and patients are thrilled not to have drains.  Check with your surgeon about how long he/she expects the drains to be in.  Your surgeon will always be the best source of information. Best wishes, Below is a link to a blog that explains the no-drain tummy tuck.  

Over the last 18 months I have transitioned to performing tummy tucks without drains in more than 90% of cases. Using a combination of techniques during the procedure, starting with meticulous attention to stopping all bleeding points during surgery, placement of deep quilting sutures and the addition of long-acting local anesthetic that lasts for 3-4 days, I have found the need for drains to be very infrequent. If at the end of the procedure I still feel a drain may be necessary, then I may use a single drain, and usually only required for 5-7 days.

One to two weeks is fairly standard. With the advent of progressive tension sutures, or quilting sutures the need for drains is diminishing. Drains help remove unwanted fluid and help prevent seromas which are an unwanted problem postop. Good luck.

Each surgeon has his or her guidelines for postoperative care. Typically, the drains are in 1 week and possibly 2.  Consult with your surgeon as he or she understands the scope of the surgery and the specifics about you.