When Are the Drains Removed After a Tummy Tuck?

Each surgeon has their own protocol for drains after a tummy tuck.  Some doctors don't use drains, but most do insert a drain to minimize the potential for fluid collection under the tummy tuck flap.  When the drainage gets down to about 30cc per day for a day or 2, the drains are ready for removal.  The time till the drainage gets to this level depends on several factors, such as the size of the patient, smoking history additional surgery in addition to the tummy tuck, etc.  Larger patients, smokers and people who have liposuction done at the same time will require drains for slightly longer.

Each surgeon has their own protocol in regards to drains after a tummy tuck procedure. During surgery two drains are placed and come out just below the wound on the left and right side.  The drains are removed whilst you are in hospital usually after 2 days.

Drains are
frequently used in the post-operative period following abdominoplasty to
minimize the potential for seroma formation.Drains are typically left in place for 7 to 14 days following surgery.They’re usually removed when drainage drops
below 25cc per 24 hours.The management of drains varies from
patients to patient.Each patient has
unique surgical anatomy and surgical procedures are modified for each
individual patient for these reasons.In
some cases, drains aren’t used, while in other case multiple drains are used.In addition, each surgeon has his
own drain protocols.In some patients,
drainage may persist for longer periods of time, especially if patients are
physically active.When drains are
removed too early, there may be an increased complication rate.This might result in seroma formation which
requires multiple aspirations or replacement of the drain.Although drains seem to be a major nuisance,
they servevery important function in
most abdominoplasty patients.