Had a TT 10 Days Ago and Still Draining Dark Red in my Drain, Should I Worry?

What you're describing is not uncommon, but it is something that you should  check in with a plastic surgeon about.

Initially after tummy tuck the drainage coming out of the drain is a bloody color.  Over time, it begins to clear to a lighter or more yellow fluid.

Sometimes the drainage can stay darker longer if there has been oozing under the skin. Each patient is slightly different. Significant oozing can lead to a bulge called a hematoma.  Sometimes small amounts of hematoma are barely noticeable under the skin and go on to liquefy and come out the drain.  In this case the bloody drainage is a good thing because it allows old hematoma to get out.

The drainage numbers that you describe don't sound scary but their little bit high and may indicate that you had a small amount of oozing or hematoma under the skin at the time of your surgery.

The safest thing to do would be to check in with your plastic surgeon and follow his or her recommendations.  In my own practice if there is no evidence of a big bulge large hematoma I usually leave the drain in a bit longer until the volume of fluid decreases or the drain begins to clear.

Good luck in your healing process.

Most likely you had a small hematoma (blood collection) under the skin which has now started to dissolve and liquefy, allowing it to start coming out the drain.  This should be self-limited and resolve within a week or so.  You can help things along by using some heat to your abdomen about 3-4 times daily.

If the drainage doesn't slow down or actually increases, or if it turns bright red, let you surgeon know immediately.

Thank you for the question.

Although what you are experiencing is probably normal, it will be best for you to check with your plastic surgeon to rule out complications. As you know, the color of the drain output should gradually change to a yellowish tinge (serum). It is not uncommon for drains to “clog";  sometimes drain "stripping"  is necessary to unclog the tubing.

Again, continue to follow with your plastic surgeon for  the most accurate advice.

Best wishes for the remainder of your recovery.

Web reference: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/Procedure_tummyTuck.htm