Is Bactrim enough to clear this drain site infection? (photos)

Question

I had a full tummy tuck with lipo on the 17th of April, my first drain was pulled on the 25th, leaving me with one drain that was giving me no problems until the Sunday before it was supposed to get get pulled that Monday, it started hurting at the incision site, red, hard, warm to touch, called pays office Monday morning, e planned what was going on and how much drainage , got it pulled the next day, got bactrim 2 days later but still in a lot of pain

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear AJ5299,that depends on the type of bacteria, bacteria resistance to antibiotics, length of treatment, etc. It can take some time for antibiotics to show results. If the pain continues, consult with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

after a drain had to be pulled due to changes creates other scenarios that you must address with your surgeon.  If your tummy is getting a fluid wave like being on a water bed, you must see your surgeon and that fluid can be aspirated and cultured if not clear.  If your drain site is not getting better, that also requires a visit to your surgeon and your surgeon should be very involved in getting  you through this.

David Boudreault, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi AJ5299,Thank you for your question and attached photos.  The choice of antibiotics is ok for skin and soft tissue infections, as it covers most of the bugs responsible for these infections.  The bigger issue is related to fluid collections under the skin (abscess).  There is no antibiotic that will adequately treat an abscess, which requires incision and drainage.  It seems like you are getting drainage from your drain site, but this may need additional drainage if a collection is building up.  I would make sure you see your plastic surgeon regularly to evaluate the progress.Hope that helps and best of luck.-Dr. B

Is Bactrim enough to clear this drain site infection? (photos)

Answers (3)

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