What are the pros and cons to having or not having drains?

In my years of practice I have found that the benefit of having drains outweighs the inconvenience that they may cause.They in many cases expedite recovery by limiting fluid accumulation. They can be an indicator of bleeding or infection post operatively. Of course not all cases require a drain but if your surgeon feels that they are necessary in a given case I would not discourage the doc from using them.

Drains are used to collect fluids during the healing process.  They are typically in for 1-2 weeks following surgery, although that varies by patient.  They are occasionally mildly uncomfortable and do require minor care (emptying, etc).  Most patients do vary well with them.  When not used there is a chance that the fluid typically removed by the drains will collect in a pocket and need to be aspirated.  

I definitely would not select your PS based upon the presence or absence of drains.  I would search for the board certified PS who you feel is most likely to give you the best results and who performs hundreds of these procedures each year. I would look at patient reviews as well as before and after photos on that PS's website.PS have their own preferences for using/not using drains based upon years of training, experience, and education.  I use drains in very few procedures.  If you have a fluid collection that needs to be drained after a TT, this can compromise the incision and healing.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA