Drain or no drain after liposuction?

Technically drains are put so you don’t get any seroma or hemotoma. After Liposuction, the skin shrink and sticks to the muscle behind and there should be no dead space left. If there is any dead space, seroma or hemotoma would form, hence drain helps in removing that. Having said that if you wear a good compression belt all around that is customized for you, you can avoid using drains.

Hi CeCe2021,

Thank you for your inquiry about the use of drains after undergoing power-assisted liposuction on your full abdomen, back, and flanks. This is a crucial aspect of post-operative care that merits careful consideration.

In my professional experience, I recommend the use of drains in such extensive procedures. While the necessity of drains can vary, in comprehensive treatments like yours, they play a vital role in preventing the accumulation of fluids, such as blood and lymph, in the spaces created by liposuction.

Preventing Seromas: One of the primary reasons for using drains is to reduce the risk of seroma formation. Seromas are pockets of fluid that can accumulate in the tissue spaces after surgery. If not properly drained, seromas can sometimes require additional procedures for removal, such as needle aspiration, which can be uncomfortable and prolong the healing process.

Avoiding Long-Term Complications: Drains can actually reduce long-term discomfort by preventing the accumulation of fluids that would otherwise need to be drained manually post-surgery. By proactively managing these fluids, we can often avoid the need for these additional interventions and promote a smoother recovery.

Enhancing Comfort and Recovery: While drains are in place, they may cause some initial discomfort and require additional care, but this is typically outweighed by their benefits in the overall healing process. The presence of drains for a short period post-surgery can lead to a more comfortable and less complicated long-term recovery.

Individualized Approach: It's important to note that the decision to use drains is tailored to each patient's specific circumstances. In your case, considering the extent of the areas treated, drains would likely be a prudent choice to ensure the best possible outcome and minimize complications like seroma formation.

I encourage you to discuss this further during your preoperative consultations to understand how this fits into your overall treatment plan. Remember, effective communication with your surgeon is key to achieving the best results and a smooth recovery.

Sincerely,

Dr. J. Timothy Katzen

Thank you for your question.  Drain usage after liposuction is typically not necessary.  However, if a patient is undergoing circumferential liposuction, drains may be use to alleviate dead space and assist with drainage.  

Sincerely,

Nicholas Jones, MD

Depends on how many liters of liposuction aspirate is planned, if it is revision liposuction, the amount of scar tissue, BMI, and patient preference. Please visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss the risks and benefits of drains. Good luck!

Hello and thank you for your question.
Typically drains are not necessary after liposuction. Leaving incisions open allows for fluid to drain. Compression garments help to stabilize and close any potential space and aim to help prevent and minimize fluid accumulation.
Best wishes!
Olivier A. Deigni, MD, MPH
Houston Plastic Surgeon

I never use drains with my liposuction cases. I do leave all incisions open so that the tumescent fluid will easily drain through the holes. Dr Crabtree

Thanks for your question about PAL (Power Assisted Liposuction).In my practice I typically do not use drains.  Each surgeon will have some degree of preference or opinion on the use of drains.  I recommend that you visit with a board certified plastic surgeon that can help you understand the expected recovery and results you will have.Best Wishes

Hello, Thanks for your query. Drains are not necessary after liposuction. Some surgeons may prefer to leave the incisions open for Drainage of tumescent. A proper compression dressing can take care of dead space after liposuction. 

I typically don't use drains after liposuction because of the incidence of drain site infections.  Everyone will be different regrading their thoughts on whether or not to drain these spaces.

This is a great question, and I am interested to see the other plastic surgeons' replies as well... this is definitely a practice preference type of topic.  Drains after liposuction are not "necessary", however, I approach this on a case by case basis.  I recently began using a drain on more circumferential liposuction cases, and I have been surprised at how much fluid comes out of it.  That being said, I do not use a drain every time.  Good compression following liposuction is also key!