Are Drains Required After Vaser Lipo?

Hi! We routinely use suction assisted drainage after VASER lipo.

Post VASER the patients usually drain for 24-72 hours, sometimes more, depending upon the extent of the procedure. We leave the suction drains in for over 48-72 hours following the procedure. In my opinion:


the patient feels "dry", not "leaky" with wet under garments. Therefore more comfortable.

the incidence of seromas (fluid collection) post op has reduced significantly, as opposed to open incisions (which usually close by themselves after 24-48 hrs.)

faster recuperation (- seromas) which helps the patient to start with the manual lymphatic drainage  earlier.

I don't use drains after VASER liposuction.  I used to close the holes where the VASER probes were inserted and would sometimes see fluid collections.  For the past several years I have been leaving the probe holes open to drain.  There will be drainage for 24-48 hours, then the holes will close.  Using this method, I no longer see any fluid collections or any need for drains

I had not used drains after liposuction for nearly my whole professional career. However, after a presentation by a Mexican colleague, I changed my practice.
Liposuction, traditional, PAL or VASER, generates inflammation and fluid. Such swelling lasts for weeks. After trying the drains for the past two years as was recommended to me, I found that my liposuction VASER patients were a LOT more comfortable than before and their swelling lasted considerably less when drains were used.
I therefore offer it to my patients and let them make the decision.

I have used Vaser for many years and have never used drains. I actually don't know anyone who does use drains. Drainage often occurs after the procedure but only lasts a day or so.