ArticleIndian journal of plastic surgery : official publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India
Can drains be avoided in lipo-abdominoplasty?
Article in Indian journal of plastic surgery : official publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
What it found
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed, 13 citations in OpenAlex.
- Drainless Lipoabdominoplasty Using Progressive Tension Sutures, Scarpa's Fascia Preservation, and Minimal Cautery in 350 Consecutive Cases.Aesthetic surgery journal. Open forum · 2026Article
- Final 24-hour Drain Output and Postoperative Day Are Poor Indicators for Appropriate Drain Removal.Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open · 2022Article
- A Variation of the Components' Separation Technique that Preserves the Semilunaris for Treatment of Abdominal Wall Deformities.Indian journal of plastic surgery : official publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India · 2022Article
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Authors and funding
1 author.
Funding
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Abstract
contextSeroma formation is a common complication after lipoabdominoplasty. Conventionally, drains have been placed to prevent seroma; however, there are problems with drains, namely, pain, compromised mobilisation, breakage, tissue irritation and infection. Strategies to prevent seroma, such as the use of glue or quilting sutures have all been attempted with variable and unpredictable benefit.
aimsThe author extrapolated the experience with own liposuction protocols to lipoabdominoplasty and began doing away with drains from the year 2006 onwards unless absolutely indicated. Incidence of complications is evaluated here. SETTINGS AND
designThis retrospective study is the report of our experience with 204 lipoabdominoplasties performed since 2006 upto December 2016. SUBJECTS AND
methodsConsecutive abdominoplasty patients were evaluated for seroma formation, wound dehiscence till suture removal. Nuances of operative details that helped avoid drains were contemplated.
resultsOnly one patient who had drainless abdominoplasty had seroma formation and wound dehiscence.
conclusionsWe found that (a) 'toilet liposuction', (a term the author would like to introduce) (b) multilayer wound closure without tension, (c) avoidance of gliding surfaces d) continuous use of pressure garment for 4 days post-operative and (e) reducing the amount of infiltration are the key factors in avoidance of collections and thus seroma formation. If such a technique is diligently followed, desired results are obtained; yet there is no need to insert drains in most patients. Reducing the need of drains permits early ambulation and better patient comfort without seroma and other complications.
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