Is it normal to have drains at 7 weeks post operation? What can be done to stop drainage from tummy tuck?

Question

It's been 7 weeks since tummy tuck w/ lipo back, flanks, arms, saddlebags, knees, breast lift with augmentation, and inner thigh lift. I still have two drains in my stomach that are draining a total of 90 plus daily. The insertion site is extremely red, with puss bumbs, and hurts. Also, the drains keep coming out and I see the white part and I have been pushing them back in Why are they drainin so high and can anything be doNE to stop them from coming out? Im getting depressed and they hurt.

Joshua A. Greenwald, MD, FACS · Answer

Most surgeons use drains during tummy tuck procedures and most but not all are removed by 10-14 days.  I have had some success using sclerosing agents such as doxycycline in slowing down high output drains.  This may be something to discuss with your plastic surgeon.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you're having a difficult time as you recover. Because you mentioned that your incision is red and painful, you may have an infection. Please see your surgeon to have this checked out. The presence of infection should be addressed asap. At the same time, you should also discuss having the drains fixed more securely, so they don't keep coming out.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

For most tummy tucks, the drains can be removed after 1-2 weeks.  There can be a number of factors which cause the drains to drain for longer and your surgeon would be in the best position to know what was done at surgery.  Follow up with your surgeon and ask how best to resolve the high drain output (? sclerosing agents, remove drains and compression garments?).  Once the drains are out the redness around them usually resolves very quickly but you may need antibiotics.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I personally don't use drains any more but in days gone by when I did, seldom were they left in for a week.

Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not normal to have drains that long after a tummy tuck.  If you have not yet done so, please contact and see your PS immediately!  It is also not uncommon that having all the procedures you listed done on the same day can significantly increase your risk of developing an infection and associated poor wound healing.  If you surgeon will not see you immediately, seek a second opinion ASAP since a serious infection can be life threatening.  You should never see the "white part" of a drain or have to "push them back in".Best of luck and wishing you well.

Kenneth D. Christman, MD · Answer

You might have an infection.  You should see your surgeon and have cultures done.  If you still have 90 cc draining per day, you still need drains.  Otherwise, fluid will accumulate. However, you might need antibiotics.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

In most cases, if drains are used in a tummy tuck, they can be removed in 1 to 2 weeks once the drainage has decreased to a moderate amount ( usually 30 cc/24 hours).  If you are having excessive drainage at 7 weeks post op, you should discuss this with your surgeon to see what may be causing this.  Excess fluid and/or salt intake may contribute to this problem.  A compression garment can help reduce the fluid build up.  But, ask your surgeon for guidance.

Is it normal to have drains at 7 weeks post operation? What can be done to stop drainage from tummy tuck?

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