Drains are generally used to lower the risk of developing a fluid collection (seroma) below the skin flap. Whether drains are necessary is an area of debate within the plastic surgery literature. Dr. Power generally inserts two drains following tummy tuck surgery which exit through the transverse abdominal incision. This avoids additional scars at the drain sites. Patients are instructed how to shower with the drains in place beginning the day after surgery. The drains are removed when they taper to a consistently low amount of drainage over a 24-hour period. This is generally within one week of surgery.