Tummy Drains always needed

Do doctors always put drains in after a tummy tuck.  My friends doctor said she might not need them.

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

There are techniques available that a few surgeons use in an attempt to reduce fluid accumulation and seroma formation after abdominoplasty.  Some are brave enough to eliminate the use of drains.  However, there remains a risk of fluid accumulation after surgery when no drains are placed.  This may required draining the fluid frequently from patients with a large bore needles, often on a daily or every other day basis.  I prefer to have a drain in placed to reduce this risk.

[new2me0311]

A related discussion, JP Drain following bil mast w /recon was started.