Tummy tucks are one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world. After significant weight loss or pregnancy, many people struggle to get rid of the excess skin and fat around their belly area. A tummy tuck can help your clothes fit more naturally and give you the confidence that you seek. That said, there is a debate among plastic surgeons and patients alike regarding the necessity of drains after a tummy tuck. The question remains, is a tummy tuck better with or without drains? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of both options.
To start, let’s establish what the drains do in the first place. A drain is a thin, plastic tube that is inserted through the skin and placed in the operative field during surgery. The tube exits through a small incision and is attached to a small grenade-like container that accumulates the fluid that builds up after surgery. Many surgeons opt for the use of drains after a tummy tuck because it helps the healing process by minimizing the buildup of serous fluid. Serous fluid is a yellowish fluid that can potentially collect in tissues after surgery and stall the healing process. Drains can also help to reduce swelling and bruising.
On the other hand, drains can be incredibly inconvenient to deal with. They are uncomfortable to sleep with, constrict your movement and bathing regimen, and can even lead to infection. Most importantly, serious complications, while rare, can stem from drains if they aren’t properly tended to.
Now, let’s look at the pros and cons of going without drains. I am sure we can all agree that not having to deal with drains is an excellent perk. Patients who opt for the drainless tummy tuck have less to worry about in terms of hygiene and can move around more freely immediately after their surgery.
However, the drainless technique does not mean deciding not to place drains after the traditional tummy tuck procedure. This would be a recipe for complications, as not having drains in such a situation would compromise the healing process. Without drains, serous fluid, and blood would build up in areas and delay healing by creating a barrier or bubble preventing tissues from sticking together. The drainless technique that I perform when doing the drainless tummy tuck uses advanced suturing to help obliterate the space where the fluid could potentially collect, thereby removing the need for drains altogether.
Weighing the pros and cons of both options, I prefer not to use drains after a tummy tuck. That is why I always perform the advanced technique of the drainless tummy tuck for all my patients. If you still have questions and concerns, it’s best to discuss them with your plastic surgeon to find the best course of action.
Whether or not to use drains for a tummy tuck is a discussion between the patient and the surgeon. Given the benefits of not having drains, I highly recommend opting for the drainless tummy tuck with its advanced techniques and improved recovery process. Ultimately, the most important thing is that the patient receives the best healing and results possible. Drains can be inconvenient and even risky, but may be needed in certain cases. Each body is different, and every tummy tuck procedure presents its unique challenges, so it’s essential to discuss your options and concerns with your board-certified plastic surgeon who can offer you personalized advice that will help you make the most informed decision for yourself. Contact us to learn more.
