Tummy Tuck Drains: All Your FAQ’s Answered

Tummy tucks are one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures that we perform here at Vado Plastic Surgery, and it’s not surprising! Who doesn’t want a tighter, flatter stomach? Today we’re talking about the less glamorous part of a tummy tuck...tummy tuck drains. Tummy tuck drains are small tubes that are inserted into your body during your tummy tuck procedure. They allow excess fluids to drain out during the recovery process, and play a crucial role in helping to decrease post-operative swelling and bruising. 

Tummy tuck drains are an incredibly important part of the tummy tuck healing process, and as you can imagine we get a lot of questions about what tummy tuck drains are, how they work, etc. Today we’re answering some of our most common questions surrounding tummy tuck drains!

What is a Tummy Tuck Drain?

Tummy tuck surgery flattens your stomach area and sculpts your mid-section beautifully by removing extra skin and fat, but after the surgery your body needs to heal. This is where tummy tuck drains come in. A tummy tuck drain looks like a plastic ball with a clear plastic tube attached to it that is inserted into a tiny incision in the abdomen near the surgery site while you’re getting your tummy tuck. For a few weeks after surgery, excess fluids will drain from the tubes as your body begins to heal.

Why Do You Need Drains After a Tummy Tuck?

After excess skin is removed during surgery, most patients are left with empty spaces that may fill with plasma and seroma. The body sends these fluids to these spaces to help them heal. However, a build-up of fluid can cause swelling and pain, so your plastic surgeon inserts drains to aid in the process, speed up healing, and avoid infection. The tummy tuck drains are also helpful in flattening the stomach area as much as possible.

How Long do Drains Stay in After a Tummy Tuck?

Typically, tummy tuck drains stay in place for 5-10 days following the surgery. Most patients take a couple of weeks off from work to rest and let their bodies rejuvenate. 

Taking Care Of Your Tummy Tuck Drain

The work doesn’t end after your plastic surgeon inserts your tummy tuck drains, it’s important that you take an active role in appropriately caring for your tummy tuck drains post-surgery by adhering to the following recommendations: 

• Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tummy tuck drains

• Keep your fingers away from the area where the tubes enter your body, since bacteria from your hands can cause infection if you are not careful. 

• You can use a Q-tip to carefully apply a tiny bit of antibiotic ointments like Neosporin or Bacitracin to the area where the tube enters the skin, but be sure to sanitize your hands or wear medical gloves before touching the area! Do this a couple of times a day to ward off infection. 

• Be sure to empty the drains thoroughly at least twice a day. You may need to empty them more frequently right after surgery, but the amount of fluid should decrease over time.

How to Hide Tummy Tuck Drains

Older style underwear (also known as “granny panties”) work best for hiding tummy tuck drains. Cotton is best since it’s breathable, comfortable, and helps hide the drains under your garments. You can also use clips or pins to attach the drains to your underwear to hold them in place. As a tip, try wearing a cotton t-shirt over the drains before putting on the rest of your clothes. A comfortable t-shirt will help minimize any bulges and also provide soft padding around the tubes and drain. 

Where to get a Tummy Tuck in Orlando?

If you live in Florida and have been wondering where to get a tummy tuck in Orlando, contact Vado Plastic Surgery today to discuss what this fantastic procedure can do for you.