Your drains will be removed within the first 4 - 5 days following surgery.  Sometimes drain removal will be staggered by removing one side first then removing the other side after a few more days...but it is important to remember the drains will only be removed when the output is minimal. It is understandable the drains are inconvenient and may tug on your skin, but they play an important role to lessen the chance of fluid accumulation following your abdominoplasty (especially if I perform liposuction).  Some cosmetic plastic surgeons may not place drains but the majority of us do.