After a tummy tuck, most patients will have 1 or 2 surgical drains to reduce fluid buildup and support proper healing.
The subject of postsurgical drains can be confusing and even a bit worrisome for some patients. Drains may seem intimidating, but they can actually shorten the recovery time and lower the risk of postsurgical complications.
In this post, I address some of the most frequently asked drain questions that I encounter at Advanced Plastic Surgery Institute.
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Do I have to have drains after tummy tuck surgery?
Yes, most tummy tuck patients require 1 or 2 drains to prevent fluid buildup during early healing. Understanding how surgeons perform abdominoplasty is necessary to appreciate the purpose of post-surgical drains.
After surgeons remove excess skin, repair separated abdominal muscles, and suture the incisions, a small space remains between the skin and muscle. Fluid composed of plasma can accumulate in this ‘dead space’ and cause complications, including infection, fever, pain, and swelling. Drains, inserted at the end of the tummy tuck procedure, reduce the accumulation of these fluids.
These drains are similar to what we use after a more extensive lower body lift procedure.
What happens if fluid builds up after a tummy tuck?
If fluid builds up after a tummy tuck, it can form a collection called a seroma. Seromas may cause:
- Swelling
- Discomfort
- The feeling of fluid movement under the skin
- Interference with proper healing if not addressed
Surgical drains help prevent fluid accumulation during early recovery, and if a seroma develops after drains are removed, your surgeon can typically manage it with monitoring or in-office drainage. Prompt follow-up helps reduce the risk of infection and supports smooth healing.
How do I empty my drains after a tummy tuck?
Patients empty tummy tuck drains several times a day by releasing the bulb, measuring output, and restoring suction.
Essentially, you will need to:
- Empty the bulb attached to the drain a few times a day
- Record how much fluid is removed
- Wash the drainage site with antibacterial soap to prevent the build-up of bacteria
- Reattach the collection bulb and reestablish the drain’s suction
If this seems daunting, don’t worry! We provide easy-to-understand, written instructions about drain care to all our tummy tuck patients. You can also learn more about postsurgical drain care from the National Library of Medicine.
Do drains limit my activities?
Drains do not prevent light activity, but patients must protect them and avoid strenuous movement. Tummy tuck drains are usually sutured into place, allowing patients to generally walk around and resume normal, day-to-day activities. The key thing to remember is to protect the drains and keep them clean. Even though you’ll be recovering while you have drains, if you want to go outside, postsurgical drain belts are available.
Learn more about what to expect as you’re healing in our tummy tuck recovery guide.
How should I prepare to shower after a tummy tuck with drains?
Preparing to shower after a tummy tuck with drains means waiting for surgeon approval, protecting your drains, and keeping showers brief and gentle. Most patients can resume showering about 48 hours after surgery. Afterward, gently pat the incisions and drain sites dry.
How long do drains stay in after tummy tuck surgery?
Most drains are removed within 7 to 10 days, once output decreases. However, the rate at which you heal and a variety of other factors will determine how long the drains remain in place.
Remember, most patients need to take that same amount of time off from work after a tummy tuck, so the drains will be removed by the time you head back to work.
Is tummy tuck drain removal painful?
Most patients report that tummy tuck drain removal is more uncomfortable than painful. The process is typically quick, lasting only a few seconds, and many describe the sensation as a brief tugging or pulling feeling rather than sharp pain.
Drain removal is usually done in the office without the need for anesthesia. Your surgeon will first loosen the suture holding the drain in place and then gently slide the tubing out. Some mild pressure or a pinching sensation is normal, but any discomfort is brief and well tolerated by most people.
Your Patience Is Worth the Wait
Tummy tuck recovery and dealing with the drains may seem daunting, but your vigilance and patience can pay off with excellent results. Take a look at some of my patients’ before and after pictures to see why many people feel the trade-off is well worth it.
Tummy tuck procedures are among the most popular surgeries I perform because the results can be transformative, as you can see in more before and after photos of actual patients.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve been thinking about getting a tummy tuck and want to learn more, contact us using the online form to request a consultation, or call our Gilbert, AZ, office at (480) 466-7355.
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