Drains or not drains after BBL? What are the pros and cons?

Question

What are the cons and pros of having drains in the liposuction areas after BBL? Do drains give better results?

Stan M. Valnicek, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Individual surgeons will vary as to use of drains in this procedure.  Every surgeon's technique and technology (Vaser, vibration, safelipo, etc.) varies and good surgeons will do what they feel is best for their patients based on their experience.
In our practice we use drains routinely.  I find patients can put out 1-2 liters of fluid over the first few days and if this is not drained then I worry the contour will not be as flat and smooth as possible.  Patients understandably worry about drains and there are certainly a hassle to deal with.  Fortunately they are usually removed within a week in most cases and I personally feel they improve my results while reducing seromas and irregularities in my patients.

John E. Nees, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!You will get many differing responses on this question with good reasoning on both sides.The use of drains will prevent fluid collections. However, a drain communicates from the skin to the operative area, increasing the infection risk.As our rate of seroma is quite low, we do not routinely use drains in our BBL patients. Best wishes...

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. As a Total Definer surgeon who specializes in body sculpting,I always use drains in the areas liposuctioned. Two drains up front in the groin area and one in the back at the top of the buttock crack. I use the VASER Hi Def Lipo technique for creation of an hourglass figure. I routinely do liposuction 360 degrees, which means all areas are connected. I also use "stealth" incisions, so there's no sign that the person had surgery. The excess fluid that the body creates into the liposuctioned areas needs to be removed, otherwise seromas and poor contour will result from excess fibrous tissue formation. The small skin incisions tend to close in a couple of days, thus trapping this excess fluid in the tissues. Not even to mention, that without drains, this is a very messy procedure. In my cases, the back drain puts out upwards of 400cc for the first 24 hours. Most surgeons who just do fat reduction liposuction and spot liposuction do not understand this concept.See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The risk for infection with drains may be higher. I try to avoid them unless someone is having a problem with fluid collections.Kenneth Hughes,MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Latina1101,
some plastic surgeons use drains others don't. Drains can help in seroma prevention but they can irritate patients and cause some discomfort. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Drains or not drains after BBL? What are the pros and cons?

Answers (9)

Answer: Drains or not drains after BBL? What are the pros and cons?

Answer: Drains or not drains after BBL? What are the pros and cons?

Answer: Drains

Answer: Drains

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

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

Drains or not drains after BBL? What are the pros and cons?

Answers (9)

Answer: Drains or not drains after BBL? What are the pros and cons?

Answer: Drains or not drains after BBL? What are the pros and cons?

Answer: Drains

Answer: Drains

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

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