26 days post thighplasty, still wearing compression, drains in, noticed lump (Photo)

Question

After putting some pressure On It noticed my compression at drain site was wet took compression off to look at lump it was smaller so I put firmer pressure on it with a towel and felt it pop the drain bulb instantly filled up this has happened a few times since putting pressure on it more fluid releases. If I leave it alone will it eventually absorb or be pulled out by the drain? The pocket as I call it seems to keep filling Some times when I put pressure I get some bloody looking fluid too.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a collection of fluid which can be recurrent for many weeks. One solution is to have a drain for continuous drainage.

Mehmet Surmeli, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hi, 
26-days post-op is a very long time. In my practice (as well as in the practice of almost any surgeon) leaving drains for more than 12-14 days is not considered to be safe. Even if the drains become full, we generally discard the negative pressure after 3-5 days and let the drains only do suction to the excessive fluid, not with suction pressure. In every case (even if the drains are full) we remove the drains at most on7-10th day and leave the patient with moderate compression garment. Keeping the drains for so long time increases the occurance of pseudo-cyst and continuous discharge as well as increasing the risk of drain-site infections.
The comments above may not applicable to you and these are only the general principles that we follow. You should consult your PS for the medical advices.
Best wishes,

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your thigh lift, nicolboiseau!
Your drains may be clogged, which is why popping that small lump may have triggered more drainage. Don’t worry because there’s no harm done.  
However, 26 days is quite a long time to still have drains. I suggest that you go for a follow-up consult with your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon so that you can have your drains monitored.
Good luck!

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Pressure is the correct thing to do. The drain was probably a little clogged, but the pop that you heard or felt was the unblocking. It’s lucky your drain is still in. The fluid is either seromatous or lymph fluid. Make sure to obviously follow up routinely with your surgeon.Peter Fisher M.D

26 days post thighplasty, still wearing compression, drains in, noticed lump (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Lump following thigh lift

Answer: Lump following thigh lift

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Everything you need to know about Thigh Lift

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26 days post thighplasty, still wearing compression, drains in, noticed lump (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Lump following thigh lift

Answer: Lump following thigh lift

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Everything you need to know about Thigh Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.