When a tummy tuck is performed, a significant amount of tissue is elevated from the abdominal wall. This results in the abdominal wall creating a potential space that can lead to seromas after surgery. For this reason, it is very common for surgeons to place drains in the abdomen after a tummy tuck. These drains will help remove some of the fluid that accumulates, secondary to the inflammation that results from the surgery itself. By putting the drains, the fluid is removed, fluid collections are avoided, and better results with an even abdomen will result.
How many drains do we typically place in the abdomen? In general, most surgeons use two drains due to the drain sometimes getting clotted. A drain might also get dislodged, so by having two drains you still have enough drainage in your abdomen to prevent possible complications during your recovery. These drains typically stay 7 to 10 days and we have to wait until the drainage is less than 30 cc to remove it. We can also follow the drain color to help determine when the drains will be removed.
Drains are essential after a tummy tuck. It is the easiest way to avoid fluid collection and collapse the cavity that was created during surgery to provide good results.