Why Cosmetic Surgery Recovery Should Be Drain-Free

It is en vogue for cosmetic surgeons to advertise that they offer “drainless” or “drain-free” cosmetic surgery, meaning that you will not be required to wear drains at your incision sites after procedures like a facelift or a tummy tuck. 

But, in general, most cosmetic surgeries should be drainless procedures—this is simply best practice and always has been, despite the influx of “drain-free” marketing. This is because there are some specific modifications that can be made during cosmetic procedures that aren’t options in non-cosmetic surgeries.

Watch this video to see why triple board-certified Seattle cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alex Sobel believes cosmetic surgery recovery should be drain-free. Or, keep on reading to find out more!

Surgical drains are common, but they remain unproven 

Drains are tubes left at your incision sites after surgery for a few weeks to collect the yellow-ish fluid that accumulates under your incisions. The intention is that you have them in place during your initial recovery period, and empty them from time to time as they fill up. Most surgeons remove drains, when they are used, in the week or two after surgery.

This practice is ostensibly intended to reduce swelling by letting the fluid that collects at the wound escape from your body. But, while it is common practice to use drains, they remain an unproven method for promoting healing and reducing fluid and swelling—it is simply common practice for surgeons to use drains as a precaution.

Rather than catching fluid accumulation with a drain, cosmetic surgeons can use modifications during surgery that significantly reduce bleeding.

The alternative: Control of bleeding during and after surgery

Rather than catching fluid accumulation with a drain, cosmetic surgeons can use modifications during surgery that significantly reduce bleeding. With my patients, I employ these techniques as much as possible, and it allows them to recover without drains most of the time:

• Anesthetic medications, particularly adrenaline, used under the skin to reduce bleeding
• Chemicals like tranexamic acid, a technique borrowed from trauma surgery, to promote clotting and further reduce blood loss
• Avoiding cautery, which can inflame tissues and creates more of a reaction

If you are in the greater Bellevue and Seattle area, Dr. Sobel would be happy to meet with you at his cosmetic surgery center! Dr. Sobel is an award-winning surgeon who is triple board-certified in general cosmetic surgery, cosmetic facial surgery, and Otolaryngology. He has worked with thousands of cosmetic surgery patients to develop appropriate surgical plans to meet their goals with the most advanced techniques available—and the most streamlined recoveries possible. Schedule your consultation today by calling 425-453-9060!

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