I had a drain tube removed a week ago and its still draining, only now little blood clots come out. Is this normal?

Question

I had a drain tube removed a week ago after a tummy tuck. Its still draining which my surgeon said was normal. However, when i changed my bandages last night and again this morning, they had clotting blood on them. Is the wound trying to heal or should i follow back up with my doctor.

Mark Crispin, MD · Answer

When you get a tummy tuck the body fills the cavity with fluid which mandates the use of a drain for a short time.  Once the drainage has decreased to about 25 cc per day then the drains are pulled.  After the drains are pulled the body still secretes fluid but the hope is between compression (binder) and time the fluid secretion will stop.  A little drainage after pulling the drain is reasonable -beyond that requires a visit to your surgeon.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

After having your drain removed I think it is reasonable to have some minor bloody discharge. If this discharge remains persistent I would revisit this issue with your plastic surgeon to see if you can schedule an examination.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically the drain holes will close on heir own within a few days after drain removal.  A small amount of spotting a week after drain removal is not particularly concerning, however continued drainage should be evaluated by your surgeon.

Gary Motykie, MD · Answer

It is normal to have a
little bit of drainage after the drain has removed.  The skin wound will need a few days to fully
close and until that happens some fluid can leak.  However, there should not be a large amount
of drainage, nor bright red blood.   If
this happens, go see your surgeon immediately.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Always best to let your PS know what is going on. It is common after drain removal for fluid to come out through the drain hole until it heals over.

I had a drain tube removed a week ago and its still draining, only now little blood clots come out. Is this normal?

Answers (8)

Answer: Blood Clots coming out of drain post Tummy Tuck

Answer: Blood Clots coming out of drain post Tummy Tuck

Answer: Follow up

Answer: Follow up

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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I had a drain tube removed a week ago and its still draining, only now little blood clots come out. Is this normal?

Answers (8)

Answer: Blood Clots coming out of drain post Tummy Tuck

Answer: Blood Clots coming out of drain post Tummy Tuck

Answer: Follow up

Answer: Follow up

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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