Liposuction: Drains, Are They Adequate?

Seroma following liposuction (especially mega-sessions; more than 5 L) is a common complication that causes much distress to the surgeon and the patient. This will eventually affect the overall satisfaction and patient's experience regarding liposuction. If not detected promptly, seromas can impair the results.

methodsThis is a prospective analysis performed by the authors in a private practice. All our patients had mega-liposuction sessions (more than 5 L, range 8-12 L) using Power-assisted Liposuction with Lipomatic by Euromai and VASER. Tumescent infiltration was used. Fifty male patients participated after providing their informed consent. Their mean age was 35 years (range, 21-50) and mean body mass index was 29 (range, 28-33). Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group A consisted of 25 patients with no adjunctive draining procedures done, and group B consisted of 25 patients with drainage procedures done. Patients were followed up every other day for 3 weeks for detection of seroma.

resultsSeventeen patients had post-operative seroma: 13 in group A and 4 in group B. The volume of seromas was further subdivided into mild (<50 cc), moderate (50-100 cc), and severe (>100 cc).

conclusionsHigh definition liposuction is a demanding procedure by both the surgeon and the patient to achieve the best results and contour. Drainage procedures and drains placement are truly effective methods for minimizing seroma formation, enhancing the recovery, and eventually improving the results.