kaseykay

There are some very respectable Plastic Surgeons here in NYC who recommend NOT draining after a tummy tuck. Has anyone had experience of a TT w/o any post-op drain? Thanks!

nursebetty

My opinion is draining is best as you don't want all those fluids just collecting inside of you. Not to mention loose fluids in the body cavity aren't easy for your body to get rid of as you think. Why put the extra stress on your body after surgery by giving it more work?

I'd say draining is the way to go with a major surgery like a tummy tuck.

cosmetichamorny

Drains may be used to evacuate fluid that is produced under the skin; they are generally removed the week after your tummy tuck surgery. This allows the skin and superficial tissues to adhere faster to the underlying muscle and fibrous tissue. At Cosmetic Harmony the patients who minimize activity in the week following surgery are frequently able to remove their drains sooner.

gatie946

I think drain is the better option
who would like that fluid to collect inside of them

You should go for drain if you are going for a big surgery like tummy-tuck.

.

k8typat

My TT is May 26th without a drain. I can't find anything besides this thread about no drain. I'll post afterwards to let you know my thoughts.

johnfarella

I would suggest drain is the better option for most Tummy tuck/Abdominoplasty procedures, the plastic surgeon will insert one or more surgical drains to help prevent a build up of fluid behind the abdominoplasty incision and in the area that was operated on. Each surgical drain is a clear tube that is placed through a very short incision below the main incision. This tube leads out of the body to a small bulb that is about the same size and shape as a hand grenade. Usually, surgeon will have the drain tube exiting your abdomen through one or more incisions made at your pubic mound or sometimes at the ends of the abdominoplasty incision.

All the Best.

k8typat

The surgeon uses tension sutures to close up any "open spaces" and mitigating the need for drains. He believes the recovery time/pain/swelling are all improved by this method.

jacob bensen

Ya i agree with this that drain is best in tummy tuck procedures.

PSR

I had my T.T. 5/27/11 and had two J. P. Drains inserted for drainage. I was amazed at the amount of blood/fuild that I collected during the 10 days I had the drains. I hated the drains. I found them very uncomfortable and they really got in my way. However, I had very little swelling or weight gain and I believe the drains worked well for me. I know of one person who had the T.T. and did not have the drains. She had to constantly change badages and be careful of what she wore etc. Whatever you decide I have concluded T.Tucks are not easy or for the faint of heart. Good Luck

jordana

I always thought that drains were essential to avoid infection and the possibility of complications due to the build up of fluids. but surgeon explained us that drains are not always necessary.
I noticed the recovery of Sacha (without drain) was quicker and “easier”.
Jackie had some discomfort using drains, she was irate because she can’t move properly,, had some skin irritation,, the tubes cannot be removed until the wound has healed internally, requiring her to stay bedridden for 10 days.
But the surgeon said Jackie needed the drains bc her TT was just too big.. So I think the technique doesn’t depend on the surgeon but on the patient needs.