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Why are drains used with a tummy tuck and how long do they stay in?
In the process of performing an abdominoplasty, the skin and fat on the abdomen are elevated off of the underlying stomach muscles to allow tightening of both the muscles and the skin. As a result of this procedure, a large raw surface area on the abdominal wall is created where fluid such as blood and serum can accumulate. If this fluid is not removed, its presence can increase the risk of infection and seroma formation (a collection of blood without blood cells).
The risk of these complications occurring can be reduced by removing these fluids before they can accumulate. This is accomplished by placing closed-suction silicone drains into the potential spaces where fluid is most likely to collect. These drains exit the skin through small openings which may or may not be along the surgical incision and are normally sutured in place so that they cannot be accidently pulled out.
The drainage tubes are about 3/16 of an inch in width and are attached to soft, semi-clear collection bulbs which have calibrations to help monitor how much fluid comes out. It is important to keep track of how much fluid exits from each drain as this is what determines when the drains are removed. In general, the first drain is taken out 3-4 days after surgery and the second is removed 3-4 days later; again, depending on how much fluid is coming out.
Following a tummy tuck, patients are placed in an abdominal binder which should be firmly but not tightly applied. This gentle pressure is also an effort to reduce the accumulation of fluid between the skin and muscles. This binder is generally worn for 3-4 weeks after surgery.
Reduced activity for the first 10-14 days after surgery in also encouraged to reduce the accumulation of fluid, however, frequent and early ambulation is always best to lower the risk of blood clots from forming in the legs.
The risk of these complications occurring can be reduced by removing these fluids before they can accumulate. This is accomplished by placing closed-suction silicone drains into the potential spaces where fluid is most likely to collect. These drains exit the skin through small openings which may or may not be along the surgical incision and are normally sutured in place so that they cannot be accidently pulled out.
The drainage tubes are about 3/16 of an inch in width and are attached to soft, semi-clear collection bulbs which have calibrations to help monitor how much fluid comes out. It is important to keep track of how much fluid exits from each drain as this is what determines when the drains are removed. In general, the first drain is taken out 3-4 days after surgery and the second is removed 3-4 days later; again, depending on how much fluid is coming out.
Following a tummy tuck, patients are placed in an abdominal binder which should be firmly but not tightly applied. This gentle pressure is also an effort to reduce the accumulation of fluid between the skin and muscles. This binder is generally worn for 3-4 weeks after surgery.
Reduced activity for the first 10-14 days after surgery in also encouraged to reduce the accumulation of fluid, however, frequent and early ambulation is always best to lower the risk of blood clots from forming in the legs.
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