Two questions: Why do some surgeons use a drain for a BBL and some don't? Also, are massages after a BBL needed?

Some feel that the drains reduce the number of fluid collections.  Some doctors feel that the drains are a nuisance to patients.  Some doctors feel that the drains increase the rate of infections.  I think there is probably truth in each of these, and there is probably not a right or wrong here.         Lymphatic massages may be of benefit, but your massages should be carefully orchestrated with your plastic surgeon.  I have only seen complications like hematoma and seroma due to increased pressure from the massage. I do not recommend lymphatic massage for my patients, because I feel as though if the result is smooth on the table, the result can only be sabotaged.

Hello, and thank you for your question. We use drains in nearly every patient that gets liposuction to make sure that no fluid remains in their abdomen or back post operatively. We infuse the patient with a good amount of fluid in order to decrease the bleeding and to numb the patient before doing liposuction and that fluid can take a while to completely leave the body. Some surgeons leave the liposuction holes open in order for the patient to drain all fluid that is put inside of them,  and in that case they would not need a drain. It is merely a matter of what the surgeon prefers that determines whether they use a drain or not. 

Dear therealistself,
Drains are used ti prevent seroma formation and most plastic surgeons don't use them for BBL surgery. Regarding the massages, some plastic surgeons recommend them others don't. I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.
It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The use or not of drains in a surgery varies from doctor to doctor, technique used and how the patients body reacts during the surgery. A drain can help decrease liquid accumulation after a procedure, called seroma, and a seroma itself can increase infection risk, but a drain itself can also increase infection risk on its own since is an open way of an infection to get in and reach the treated area, so as any plastic surgery procedure the use or not of a drain is not good or bad, the use or not of a drain varies from patient to patient and from doctor to doctor. Same happens with massages, they certainly help with the lymphatic drainage of the area decreasing seroma formation that can increase infection risk and also massages promote skin to re adhere properly after the procedure and also help in decreasing a bad healing process but some doctors prefer to leave the treated area alone to heal by itself. I personally  do not use drains in my patients after a BBL and / or a liposuction procedure but do like massages in my patients after a BBL but only in the liposuction area, where the fat is taken out and not in the injection site, buttocks, where the fat is injected in.

Some use them because they feel it may minimize the risk of seromas( fluid collections). Seromas may be associated with the type of liposuction performed. I do not usually use liposuction devices that are more prone to seromas, so therefore, I do not routinely use drains with bbls.

nobody uses drains for the fat transfer part of the procedure. It is only done occasionally in areas treated with liposuction.  There are two reasons plastic surgeons may use drains. The first is that they've had a problem with fluid buildup is called seromas in the past. The second is to help give a better definition especially in areas like the lower back. Fluid buildup generally doesn't happen after liposuction but is more likely to happen when VASER is used. The majority of plastic surgeons do not use drains for these procedures. Best, Mats Hagstrom MD