Drain fluid is still dark red one week after Breast Implant Revision surgery with Strattice. Is this a cause for concern?

Question

I had breast implant revision surgery with strattice a week ago. The PS placed a drain for the left side. I was told that the fluid in the drain should turn yellowish clear in a few days. But mine is still dark red after a week, although the output of the drain has gone down to below 20cc per day for the past three days. Is this a cause for concern? Should the drain to removed soon?

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Drain fluid quality can vary widely even between breasts in the same patient.  You may have had additional bleeding on that side that will take a bit more time to clear up. I do not believe there is cause for concern from what you mention.  Keep following up weekly with your surgeon until the drain is ready for removal.

Daniel Camacho Melo, MD · Answer

Hello, it is normal that firsts days are like this, but eventually after a week like you said, turns yellowish, still if you have be gone down to below 20cc per day, you should get a revision, might be a clot, i personally never leave drains.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Not necessarily.In general - and with the understanding that you have to work with your own PS on this - the fluid in the drains diminishes over the first few days after surgery and often changes to a lighter color.  However, if there is a clot (of blood) in the tube then the fluid will still appear relatively dark, and that may be what is happening to you.Of more concern is your overall healing and the amount of fluid coming out.  Since both seem to be okay I would not be overly concerned with the color of the fluid in and of itself.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

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Drain fluid is still dark red one week after Breast Implant Revision surgery with Strattice. Is this a cause for concern?

Answers (3)

BREAST IMPLANT REVISION PROVIDERS NEAR YOU