Tummy tuck drains after abdominoplasty surgery are used in patients who need them, which is in most cases. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to discuss the entire cosmetic surgery costs with your doctor prior to the procedure. There can be other elements of the surgery, particularly recovery issues that may add significantly to the cost of the actual surgical procedure.
Tummy tuck drains that are put into place immediately after the abdominoplasty surgery are designed to decrease the risk of fluid collecting between the skin flap and the muscle layer (known as seroma formation). The formation of seroma can be a source of possible infection.
The use of tummy tuck drains after abdominoplasty surgery will provide a point of exit for this fluid and thus reduce the risk of complications after the surgery.
Tummy tuck drains are actually silicon tubes that are inserted into the abdomen by special incisions or through the initial incision made during the abdominoplasty surgery, itself. These tubes are connected to bulbs that are used to provide suction to siphon off the excess accumulated fluid during the home recovery period.
The patient will usually measure the fluid from the tummy tuck drain in order to provide the doctor with a fluid accumulation measure subsequent to the abdominoplasty surgery. It will usually be possible to remove the drains after three to five days after the surgery. However, there are cases where the drains will need to stay in up to three weeks or more.
Care that must be taken while you are attached to a tummy tuck drain will usually revolve around careful bathing and making sure that the drain doesn’t snag on any external fixture. As you can see, an abdominoplasty surgery may involve more than a simple recovery time.
