Would you recommend a wound vac for recovery after a tummy tuck?

A wound vac is a negative pressure foam pad placed over a wound or incision, connected to a vacuum of -50-200 mm Hg, and covered by an occlusive adherent membrane. It's purpose is to remove fluid secreted by a wound or incision, decrease swelling, increase blood flow and decrease tension on the wound or incision. There are no randomized controlled studies of its use in aesthetic surgery, but there are many for other specialties where it has been found beneficial in decreasing the frequency of surgical site infections (SSI's), particularly for high risk patients where the consequences of a wound infection can be very serious, e.g. cardiac surgery median sternotomies, orthopedic total knee and hip, vascular surgery groin incisions over grafts.
Studies of its us for C sections showed no clear benefit, as there were both negative and positive results in five studies and more large randomized clinical trials are needed to clarify its use for C sections.
For patients who undergo bariatric surgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, hernia repairs it is beneficial as these patients have high risk factors for wound infections, which may include diabetes, obesity, and additively smoking if they are smokers as well.
There are no studies to suggest that the use of closed-incision negative pressure therapy  (ciNPT) for aesthetic surgery such as abdominoplasty confers a benefit, although there are intuitive reasons to suggest it might since it can reduce swelling, reduce drainage from an incision, and relieve some scar tension which theoretically could improve scar quality. But ciNPTis only put on for a week, and there are no longer term studies of scar quality.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal published an in-depth supplement in the January 2019 PRS to bring this topic to the attention of the plastic surgery community.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. January 2019 - Volume 143 - Management of Surgical Incisions Utilizing Closed-Incision Negative-Pressure Therapy 1S
To get the benefits of reduced swelling (edema) better effectiveness against bacteria and biofilm than gauze dressings, and reducing incisional tension, there are current technologies available and helpful surgical techniques.
From the surgical point of view, a deep layer closure in the superficial fascia as described by Lockwood brings the flaps together with high tension in the deep layer that relieves skin tension where the visible scar forms. This makes the surface appear as a little hill which gradually relaxes over the next weeks as the skin heals, relieving tension on the skin itself.
Technologies available which I use include Prineo Dermabond Tape. This is an flexible, bacteriostatic mesh which is rolled onto the incision and secured with a liquid polymer from a dispenser. It sticks to the wound, relieving tension further and protecting it better than gauze alone. It  adds about $150 to the cost. It is removed at three weeks at which time patients may use scar modifying silicone gel, or use a proprietary technology called Embrace. Embrace consists of an applicator that when opened sets tension on an adhesive silicone pad. When the pad is applied in line with the incision, it pulls the skin toward the incision, thus unloading the tension and potentially resulting in better scar quality. The device is used for seven weeks while scar is maturing, changed every ten days.
For edema control I use a foam pad, e.g., Epifoam, over the abdomen, and if lipo has been done, over the flanks as well. The foam pads stay on at least 3 days and up to 2 weeks. They minimize bruising also.
So a long answer to your question, no, I would not apply a wound vac, ciNPT, to a tummy tuck incision. Research over the next few years may give a more definitive answer to its benefit in aesthetic cosmetic surgery. Some surgeons are using it in reconstructive breast surgery after mastectomy and like the results.
Economic Analysis Based on the Use of Closed-Incision Negative-Pressure Therapy after Postoperative Breast Reconstruction
Gabriel, Allen; Maxwell, G. Patrick
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 143(1S):36S-40S, January 2019.
For  more information copy this:
Management of Surgical Incisions Utilizing Closed-Incision Negative-Pressure Therapy 1S 
into the Pubmed search bar accessed by the URL below.

For tummy tucks many surgeons use JP drains (Jackson-Pratt drains). This type of drain collects fluid from the surgical site and is easily maintained and emptied. It is a suction drain but it less complex and cumbersome compared to a wound vac.

Thank you for your question. A wound VAC should not be needed after a tummy tuck procedure. It would not help with healing unless there was an unforeseen complication. When considering a tummy tuck procedure make sure you find a board certified plastic surgeon who will take the time to answer all of your questions and explain all of your options, so that you can decide if a tummy tuck is right for you.