Surgical drains are small tubes that drain fluid away and out of the body. When tissues are separated, repositioned, and removed, space is created that will fill with fluid (called seroma). Drains play an important part in recovery from a tummy tuck by preventing seromas and the numerous complications they cause. Fluid will gradually stop accumulating at the surgical site, and then your surgeon will remove the drains. This painless process usually takes place about a week after your surgery.