Is a drainless tummy tuck as safe as a TT with a drain in?

Thank you for  your question.  Yes, a drainless tummy tuck is as safe as a tummy tuck with drains.  There are not higher risks of complications in tummy tucks without drains.  Patients can have excellent results without having the need for the drains.  Good luck.

Our meta-analysis research (link below) showed that "drainless tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with progressive tension sutures" were more effective than "tummy tuck with drains" in reducing seroma (fluid buildup) and reoperation rates, with no difference for hematomas or infections.
Many plastic surgeons continue to use drains during tummy tucks because it has been the standard practice for many years. Drains are traditionally used to prevent fluid accumulation under the skin, a common occurrence after the procedure. The accumulation of fluid, known as a seroma, can slow healing and lead to complications. Using drains helps remove this fluid, ensuring proper healing and minimizing the risk of complications. However, drains can be uncomfortable, require additional care, and increase the risk of infection at the insertion points. They can also leave scars, even after they are removed.
The advent of the "drainless" tummy tuck, typically achieved through the use of progressive tension sutures, offers an alternative to this approach. These sutures help to close any dead space in the skin flap, significantly reducing the likelihood of fluid buildup and seromas. This technique not only eliminates the need for drains but can also result in faster recovery times and less post-operative discomfort for patients. While it has been shown to be highly effective, it is not without its challenges, such as a slightly longer surgical time and the need for a highly skilled surgeon to perform the procedure. Some surgeons may still prefer to use drains out of familiarity or due to concerns about fluid accumulation, especially in patients with certain body types or those undergoing significant liposuction. However, as more evidence supporting the benefits of drainless tummy tucks accumulates, this method is becoming increasingly popular for its enhanced patient comfort and streamlined recovery process.
While not every patient is a suitable candidate for a drainless approach, the procedure has proven to be a highly effective option. Your plastic surgeon needs experience in this technique, because incorrect placement of the sutures can cause major problems including contour deformities or dimpling and possible need for re-operation. Be sure to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to determine if a drainless tummy tuck is right for you!
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Yes, if performed correctly, drainless tummy tucks have advantages for the patient and the surgeon over using drains. In order to dispense with drains, some "preventive measure" must be used, e.g., progressive tension sutures, tissue glue. However, tissue glue does not decrease the incidence of seromas per the manufacturer, it just allows dispensing with drains.  Seromas or fluid collections are what we really want to avoid in order to avoid the need for multiple needle aspirations and the possible formation of a bursa.  A bursa requires further treatment, such as instillation of antibiotic solutions to sclerose or surgery to remove it.
Using a drainless technique with progressive tension sutures avoids seromas entirely. For the patient the recovery is much more comfortable.  When the flap is re-attached to the abdominal wall there is no space for fluid to accumulate, or minimally so.  The flap then sticks down and heals rapidly to the abdominal wall, eliminating any shearing forces that could open a space and allow fluid collection after a patient with drains has had them removed.
I have used the drainless technique for five years or so and have had only two that needed any aspiration and then quickly resolved with no further treatment. Progressive tension sutures have further safety benefits by taking tension off the flap, so it there is no concentration of tension at the incision line. This may contribute to better scar quality

There is generally a higher risk of seroma with drainless techniques, either TissuGlu or progressive tension sutures.   I have found patient selection critical when deciding whether or not to place a drain.   Patients who are at higher risk of seroma are patients with higher BMI, previous massive weight loss patients and patients with more aggressive liposuction at the time of the tummy tuck.   Most of those patients get drains in my practice.   I prefer to use drainless techniques otherwise.  I have found the TissuGlu drain free patients to be the happiest tummy tuck patients I have ever had.   No drains and surprisingly little pain.   It is my feeling the pain is improved from that the lack of flap mobility and possibly even something to do with a local anesthetic effect of the adhesive itself.  

Yes.  There is no difference in terms of safety.  The difference is basically whether or not you have to deal with the drains.  The operation may take a little longer if the surgeon is doing it as drainless, but that is not a safety concern in general. Best wishes.

Thank you for your question.  Yes, drainless tummy tucks are as safe as a tummy tuck with a drain. A technique using progressive tension sutures allows the plastic surgeon to eliminate the space in the abdomen where fluid (seroma) can collect. Most of my patients actually recover more quickly with this technique and have fewer incidents of seroma.  Patients appreciate not having a drain hanging off of their body for several days or sometimes more than a week.  Please be sure to seek out a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in progressive tension suture techniques for best results. Best of luck to you. 

Yes.  When I do abdominoplasty surgery, there are factors that lead me to conclude certain patients will do fine without drains.  In my experience, less than 1 percent of patients who have drainless tummy tucks go on to have fluid collections and need drains.  

The #drainage tubes for a tummy tuck are used by trained Plastic Surgeons for many different operations. The purpose is to drain extra fluid which may otherwise accumulate under the skin, fat or muscle following an operation.  Patients generally find this annoying and uncomfortable and they can impede mobility and therefore slow aspects of #healing. Over the years, surgeons have improved procedures and found ways to eliminate the need for these #drains in a variety of operations; including #tummy #tuck or #abdominoplasty.I have found that most of my patients do very well with the exception of those have large areas of liposuction or lipo-abdominoplasty.  I may use drains on a case by case basis for these patients. A newer option now can include the use of tissue #glue to adhere the abdominal #skin to the #muscle; eliminating any space that previously required a drain.Information that you read online may not apply to your personal situation. All surgical procedures carry some degree of #risk. Always discuss your issues and concerns with the Plastic Surgeon during and following your consultation. The suitability of your procedures and any specific risks may be determined during you #consultation. Also, another element to a satisfying result of your procedures are realistic #expectations. The best method and #technique for your #procedures will be discussed in greater length during your one-on-one consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Studies have shown that patients do better with Drainless TT.   Both are safe however patients are happier with Drainless and they have a faster recovery.    Good luck!   And be sure to use a board certified plastic surgeon and a member of the Aesthetic Society.   

Hi and thanks for your question-Drainless tummy tuck is increasing in popularity. It's a great option for many women, and in my experience, shortens recovery time and decreases the risk of certain complications. The procedure takes a bit longer, because "progressive tension sutures" or "quilting sutures"take a bit longer to place than drains. However, I see fewer fluid collections, fewer infections, and less swelling in most cases. For those reasons, and because of faster recovery and better patient satisfaction, I offer drainless tummy tuck to the majority of my patents. Hope that helps-