After a Tummy Tuck, I Have a Drain in and Output is 50cc After 20 Days, What Can I Do?

asked 4 months ago by whitwellc in Little Rock, AR
Latest answer by Heather Rocheford, MD
Question viewed 141 times
Tags: 3 weeks post-op, amount, drains, fluid, worried

I had a full tummy tuck with a little lipo 20 days ago. I had two drain tubes, after 8 days, one tube was down to 15 a day and that tube was removed. However, I still have the one tube remaining and for the last two weeks every day it is right at 50 cc a day. I am getting concerned about the drain tube being in so long. Is there anything I can do to help fluid decrease?

5 answers to After a Tummy Tuck, I Have a Drain in and Output is 50cc After 20 Days, What Can I Do?

Continued drain output after Tummy Tuck.

Every Patient is different in how long they may expect to have drain output after their Tummy Tuck, it just depends on how quickly your body heals. The surgical drains may be removed in as little as 3-5 days for the first drain and as long as 15 days or more for the second drain. You should limit any excessive activities, because over doing it will lead to increased drain output. Wear your binder as much as possible to help reduce fluid and swelling. If the drain is... more

Heather Rocheford, MD
Saint Paul Plastic Surgeon

Drain output

SOmetiems drainage form the tube can last a few weeks especially after a tummy tuck and liposuction. If taken out too early it could lead to a seroma requiring repeated aspiration.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Prolonged drainage after tummy tuck

After a tummy tuck in most patients, the drains are removed during the course of the first two weeks. To have persistent drainage for a longer period of time does happen in some patients, particularly in those who have had extensive liposuction or excision of an large apron of skin. Premature removal of the drain will result in fluid accumilation in the lower abdomen (seroma formation). Your surgeon will remove your drain when the output diminishes... more

Joseph N. Togba, MD
Oakland Plastic Surgeon

Long draining after a tummy tuck

Some patients drain longer than others, especially those with massive weight loss. Until the drain decreases, the skin and fat have not re-adhered to the muscle and you will get a seroma if you take the drain out too early. Avoid excessive shearing activity as this increases drainage and stick close with your doctor on this and follow their advice.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Drain Output after Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. Given the output that your drain is still having, I would suggest that you leave the drain in place. Occasionally, it is necessary to leave drains in a longer period of time; it is rare that doing so causes any problems. Continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes. see video

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

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