Question:
I AM SCHEDULED FOR MY TUMMY TUCK ON 6-15-04. I WAS TOLD THAT THE SURGEON THAT I'M

DOES NOT USE DRAINS AT ALL. HE SAYS DRAINS CARRY A HIGH RISK FOR INFECTION. DO THIS SOUND RIGHT?    — CINDY D. (posted on May 25, 2004)

May 25, 2004
NO it doesnt. And in fact, if the drains are taken out too soon, one thing that CAN happen is a 'blood' pocket, that then has to be drained surgically (needle) by the doctor. I havent ever heard of any one NOT having drains... I had two, and they 'drained' ALOT. Neither one got infected. I would GET a second opion if I were you.
   — star .

May 25, 2004
Hey there, I'm having my TT on June 15th too!! My surgeon will use two drain tubes which he says are essential. I will have them both in for 5 days. It seems as though the accumulation of fluid and blood could be more dangerous. Check it out. Good luck!!!
   — emilyfink

May 25, 2004
I cannot even imagine how many problems I would have had without the drains. I had a LBL and came out of surgery with 5 drains. 3 to drain the front and 1 on each side that went around to the back. They all exited me in the front groin area. I had 1 removed at 2-1/2 weeks and the remaining 4 removed at 3 weeks and 1 day. He wanted them out then as the risk of infection starts to grow the longer they are in. However, we knew I would have problems as I was still producing a lot of fluid. Especially from the ones that went around to the back. Consequently I ended up gett 4 additional drains put in, one at a time. I ended up with drains until 8-1/2 weeks PO. The last one was still producing 50-60 cc's a day when removed but he decided to push the issue with my body and make it deal with the fluid. It worked and I'm finally fluid free. I even had 650 cc's of fluid removed off my left hip after that drain was removed. So I would be extremely concerned of a surgeon who uses no drains. The normal from what I have read is 2 or 3 for just a TT.
   — zoedogcbr

May 25, 2004
Drains help you heal faster by collecting the fluids so your body does not have to work to get rid of it. It does carry an infection risk just as any break in the skin that will allow germs to get in. I would think with a tummy tuck, most doctors think the benefits of draining the fluid outweighs the risk of infection. Also, with weight loss patients, my doctor stated we tend to drain more. If you trust the doctor, then go on and have it. Bone up on your protein (you should anyway) because it will probably take a little longer for your lymphatic system to drain the fluids away. You might be a bit more swollen. Perhaps you can talk to your doctor about arnica montana which is a herb that supposedly helps with swelling. I doubt there is any serious danger though just perhaps a longer recovery period.
   — Lisa N M.

May 25, 2004
It may depend on your surgeon's technique, and the extent of surgery, as to whether or not drains are used. Some surgeons feel it is better for the fluids to be reabsorbed by the body, others like to have it drain. Just differenct schools of thought. Byt he same token, you can read on this forum where some surgeons put in only one or two drains, other use 5 or more. Depends on the surgeon and the person, I guess. No right or wrong answer here.
   — koogy

May 26, 2004
Go to tuckthattummy.com you can find a lot of people there who have had drains and who haven't had them. It is a great site for information. God Bless-Tab
   — Tab F.