That buildup of fluid could lead to a complication called a seroma. A seroma is the most common complication following tummy tuck surgery, and traditionally, drains have been used to prevent them.
This may lead to increased pain and swelling and changes to the appearance of the scar. Surgical drains and drainage tubes are an important part of the tummy tuck. They help to collect any excess fluid that may accumulate in the area, reducing the risk of infection and other complications.
For starters, a drainless procedure avoids drain-site irritation, a common minor byproduct of a traditional tummy tuck. Since there is no drain, there's no need to install or remove it, which means when the procedure is done, the procedure is done!
If drains are left in place too long after tummy tuck, this may promote ongoing drainage. It may also increase risk of developing an infection. Dr. Power will closely monitor drain output and will remove the drains as soon as possible when medically indicated.
– What is the purpose of drains after tummy tuck? Drains are placed to reduce fluid accumulation at the surgical site. They may reduce the incidence of seromas (fluid collections) and resultant complications following tummy tuck. Drains also indicate the amount of bleeding that is occurring during early healing.
A drainless tummy tuck will result in a much better overall healing process, as it can drastically help reduce postoperative symptoms. There is usually less pain and swelling, and surgical wounds heal faster without the need to measure fluids or change drains.
With a drainless tummy tuck, you won't have to worry about measuring fluid output or emptying a drain while you recover. For most people, the recovery after a drainless tummy tuck is shorter than with a regular tummy tuck, and the scar tends to heal more smoothly as well.
Seroma is a collection of fluid that builds up under the surface of your skin. A seroma sometimes develops after surgical procedures and is a common complication associated with a tummy tuck. After a tummy tuck, your surgical team typically puts drainage tubes in place for a few days or hours.
Without a drain, the fluid might gather up in a large pool and be painful. The pressure of the fluid inside might stop the wound healing properly. So the surgical drain allows extra fluid to drain off harmlessly.
Tummy tuck drains typically stay in the longest, and may be left in place for 1-2 weeks. Patients who are more active typically experience greater fluid output, and may have the drains in place for longer.
What Are the Downsides of a No-Drain Tummy Tuck? It sounds counter-intuitive, but recovery and healing can actually take longer with no-drain tummy tucks. Another downside is the higher risk of developing a condition called a seroma - a collection of fluid that can occur when an area of tissue is disrupted.
If a sizable seroma is left untreated for a long period of time, a thin cover of tissue called a fibrous capsule can develop around the mass. The capsule can make it more difficult for the seroma to be completely drained, and therefore, allow fluid to continue accumulating rapidly.
Clogged Drain
If there is no fluid draining into the bulb, there may be a clot or other material blocking the fluid. If you notice this: Wash your hands with soap and water. Dry your hands.
We recommend maintaining a 'hunched at the hips' standing position for at least 2 weeks, with most patients returning to their regular straightened posture within 2-3 weeks.
4. Use Drain Tubes. Drains are often used during or following surgery to help the body expel fluids that collect at the surgical site. Abdominoplasty, or tummy tucks, are no different and patients will have one or two temporary tummy tuck drains inserted after the operation.
Usually, your first drain can be removed within two weeks from your tummy tuck. However, your second drain is typically left in until the fluid being drained is less than about 30 mL per day for 24 hours. That's a common rule of thumb, but your surgeon may have other criteria.
If a seroma or seromas do develop, you can apply heat to the area for 15 minutes every few hours. This can help the seroma drain and ease discomfort. If the seroma does not go away on its own, your doctor can drain it or surgically remove it.
Patients have less pain than with the traditional method and are up and about in just a few days. The most important benefit is that drainless tummy tuck significantly improves the contours and shape of the abdomen and overall body proportion.
Most surgeons use a suture that dissolves after 6 to 9 months for this type of surgery. This allows the body enough time to produce enough heavy scar to prevent widening of the area after the suture dissolves.
Whether you're contemplating a Mommy Makeover package or just want to undergo a tummy tuck, you'll be relieved to know that any pain from this cosmetic procedure is far less than that experienced after a C-section.
Tummy tuck patients may also experience a tight feeling in their belly because the skin has been cut and put back together. More so, muscle tightening during the surgery can lead to a hardened tissue sensation during recovery.
The tummy tuck is very useful when exercise and diet have failed to tighten the abdominal muscles. However, a tummy tuck is not really designed to make you look “thinner.” Rather, the tummy tuck improves the muscle profile of the abdomen, which in turn can have the effect of making you look more fit and toned.
If your wound is not draining much, moisten a piece of gauze with saline, and gently place gauze into the deepest part of the wound. Do not pack tightly, but do keep the wound edges from touching, so that the wound can heal from the inside out. If wound is draining much, pack with dry gauze to absorb excess moisture.
The drained fluid is collected into a dressing, bag, or container. You should see the drainage decrease after you go home, and you may see it change color. You should be shown how to empty the drain before you are discharged, and you should ask if you need to measure the drainage.
Though a rare event, retained surgical drains are a completely preventable complication and should not occur. They can inhibit recovery and create anxiety leading often to their removal under general anesthesia.